Aston Villa still ‘in the race’ to complete striker deal as Calvin Bassey ‘alternative’ emerges

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

The Midlands club enjoyed significant improvements over the second half of the season, but a 14th-place finish was not the aim heading into the campaign.

Steven Gerrard will be hoping for better in his first full season, and he has already made a good start in the transfer window.

Villa have already signed Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal, while Boubacar Kamara will arrive from Marseille at the end of his current deal.

The Lions already look stronger ahead of next season, but more signings will be required if they want to push to become serious top-half contenders.

And as Gerrard looks to add those new faces, we have rounded up all the latest rumours.

Suarez latest

Villa are still said to be in with a chance of landing striker Luis Suarez on a free transfer.

Reports have claimed Gerrard is interested in linking up with his former teammate, with Suarez leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of his contract next month.

We have seen little progress, but according to The Athletic, the veteran striker is ‘under consideration’ by Villa at this point.

That means a deal could still be on the table, and Villa fans will likely be pretty pleased with that, especially given the experienced goalscorer is available for nothing.

Bassey alternative

Villa are now said to be looking elsewhere for a new full-back amid talk Rangers star Calvin Bassey could be too pricey.

According to The Athletic, Gerrard has been monitoring Anderlecht’s Spanish defender Sergio Gomez.

Gomez is still only 21 years of age, and it’s expected he would be cheaper than the reported £25million it would take to get Bassey.

Villa need a new full-back, with Matt Targett expected to leave permanently following his loan spell with Newcastle United.