Aston Villa transfer target brands speculation ‘flattering’ as Villans ‘miss out’ on midfielder

Aston Villa are currently away in Australia for pre-season as they prepare for the new 2022/23 Premier League season.

Steven Gerrard is gearing up for his first full campaign in charge at Villa Park.

His side were in action yesterday against league rivals Leeds United in Brisbane and won 1-0 thanks to Danny Ings’ penalty.

Here is a look at all the latest news and rumours coming out of the club today:

Target going elsewhere

Aston Villa are reportedly missing out on a deal to sign youngster Sonny Perkins following his departure from West Ham United.

The midfielder is set to sign for fellow top flight club Leeds United.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report Villa along with Tottenham Hotspur have also been ‘keen’ on landing the teenager.

Gomez comments on transfer speculation

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has commented on transfer links with his former Reds teammate Gerrard.

The England international, 25, has been linked with a switch to Villa Park by TEAMtalk.

He has said, as per the Liverpool Echo:

“I can’t dispute I heard about these rumours. But until things are concrete with my representatives, I take it all with a pinch of salt. Any interest is flattering, but I don’t really see it like as that much of a distraction because until I make my decision, the external noise is just that – external.

“Once I got my head around what I wanted to do, my signing is me understanding the challenge and wanting to rise to it.”

‘Got the ball’

Gerrard has defended John McGinn after the midfielder’s tackle yesterday left Leeds United teenager Archie Gray on a stretcher.

Aston Villa were in pre-season action against the Whites in Brisbane, Australia and won 1-0 courtesy of Danny Ings’ penalty.

As per The Mirror, the Villa boss said:

“We wish the young kid very well, hopefully it’s not a long injury. John’s got the ball, he’s been unlucky in the follow through. There was one just before by the same boy on (Emiliano) Buendia and my heart was in my mouth.”