Aston Villa ‘focus’ on landing Premier League star as forward move dubbed unlikely

Aston Villa fans will already be excited for next season after a rapid start to the summer.

Steven Gerrard and the club’s recruitment staff have been busy, wrapping up three new signings ahead of the transfer window officially opening on Friday.

Villa wrapped up deals for Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, and Gerrard’s squad already looks significantly stronger.

The former Rangers boss will be keen to put his own stamp on his squad this summer ahead of his first full season in charge.

And he is going the right way about it, but there will likely be challenges ahead, both in terms of incomings and potential outgoings.

As Gerrard and his staff navigate the transfer window, we have rounded up all the latest news and rumours.

Oxlade-Chamberlain focus

Villa are said to have turned their attention to signing Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Midlands club are interested in the former Arsenal star, who looks to be available this summer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain played a bit-part role this season, and reports claim he could be sold for as little as £10million this summer.

The report claims Villa are interested and that Gerrard is a ‘big’ admirer of the England international.

Kean played down

Talk of Villa making a move for Moise Kean this summer has been played down.

Kean spent this season out on loan with Juventus from Everton, scoring five goals in 32 appearances.

Having also spent time with PSG on loan before his move to Turin, it seems Kean is unlikely to return to Everton.

With that in mind, these have been links between Villa and the forward, but journalist Pete O’Rourke has played it down.

He told GiveMeSport: “It’s an interesting link this one. Moise Kean, obviously has huge potential. He’s played for some top clubs, but just haven’t seen enough of what he can do on a regular basis.

“I’d find this a strange signing, for me. I’m not sure if Villa would pursue a move for Moise Kean.”