Aston Villa prepare ‘bumper’ offer to £33m talent amid Rangers defender ‘interest’

Aston Villa had to settle for a watching brief in the Premier League at the weekend, with Steven Gerrard’s men not in action.

Next up for the Villans is a clash against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, and with both sides cruising comfortably to a midtable finish, it would be little surprise if Gerrard already had one eye firmly fixed on the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, here’s all the latest gossip doing the rounds at Villa Park...

Gerrard wants Helander reunion

Aston Villa are interested in signing Rangers defender Filip Helander this summer, according to a report from Football Insider.

Steven Gerrard previously managed the towering Swede during his highly successful stint at Ibrox, and it is understood that he is interested in bringing the 28-year-old to England as he looks to bolster is options at the heart of defence.

It is claimed that the Villa boss is unconvinced by captain Tyrone Mings, and could look to capitalise on the fact that Helander’s contract in Glasgow expires in May 2023.

Villa keen to tie Watkins down

Aston Villa are preparing to offer a ‘bumper new contract’ to Ollie Watkins in an attempt to fend off growing interest in the England international.

As per a report from Football Insider, the Villans are keen to hang on to the forward, who is attracting attention from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Villa paid around £33 million to bring Watkins in from Brentford in 2020, and while his current deal in the midlands has three years left to run, it is understood that Gerrard and co are eager to secure long term future.

Martinez in demand

Juventus are lining up a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez this summer, according to TyC Sports.

The Serie A giants are said to be in the market for a new stopper, with manager Massimiliano Allegri keen to replace Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

As such, the Turin side could turn their attention to fellow ex-Arsenal man Martinez.

Whether the 29-year-old would be interested in leaving Villa Park, however, having only just signed a contract extension untill 2027 in January, remains to be seen.