Aston Villa face ‘fresh transfer competition’ as update on summer plans emerges

Aston Villa’s pre-season is well and truly underway, with the first summer fixture now under their belt.

Steven Gerrard and his men will now be looking to ramp up their preparations as the new season draws closer.

Their preparations will be aided by the presence of a number of new signings, with Villa moving quickly in the summer window.

The Lions have already snapped up a number of impressive talents, with the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Diego Carlos all signed up ahead of the new season.

And Villa may not be done there, with even more new signing expected ahead of the end of the window.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Villa Park.

Perkins problem

Villa are said to be in the race to sign former West Ham United starlet Sonny Perkins this summer, but there is a problem.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United have entered the race to sign Perkins, who is now a free agent following his West Ham release.

Though, he won’t come completely free, with West Ham due compensation due to their part in taking the 18-year-old to the professional level.

The report claims Leeds ‘hope to beat’ Villa to the midfielder’s signature.

What Villa want

It has already been a busy summer for Villa, but it seems there are still key areas they want to add to.

Journalist Dean Jones issued an update on their summer plans, telling GiveMeSport: “I think they’re still looking for a centre midfielder that can go into that team and start games.

“They’re still looking at a big addition in centre-midfield and they’re looking for a big addition in attack.

“It’s just about finding the right type of player.”

Those plans could well be conditioned by exits, though, and particularly on Douglas Luiz, who is expected to leave should the right offer come in.