Aston Villa fail with ‘bid’ to complete £25m midfielder transfer amid rival ‘interest’ in striker

Aston Villa are already well on their way to improving the squad ahead of next season.

Steven Gerrard will want to put his own stamp in the squad ahead of next season, having taken over during the campaign just gone.

The former Rangers boss was able to save Villa from the threat of relegation, but the Lions certainly had their limitations this season.

Gerrard needs more weapons to work with, and the club have answered his call, with three signings already through the door.

Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho have already penned deals ahead of next season.

Villa will not be finished there, though, and more signings are expected between now and August.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours:

Bissouma bid

Villa are said to have made a bid to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma.

According to 90min, the Lions have joined an intense race for the midfielder, involving the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea.

The report claims Villa made a bid for Bissouma, but it seems they will miss out on a move for the midfield star.

According to The Times, Tottenham have had a £25million bid accepted, and the 25-year-old is said to want a move to north London.

The report adds a medical is already penned in.

Archer interest

Villa could temporarily offload youngster Cameron Archer this summer.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Preston, scoring seven times in 20 Championship appearances.

And according to the Express and Star, West Brom are now considering a move for the striker, hoping to take him across the West Midlands on loan.

The move could be an attractive one to Archer and Villa, given he could likely remain at home for the season while getting regular football.