Aston Villa tipped to win race for England international as West Ham plot double transfer raid

Villa boss Steven Gerrard has showed no signs of slowing down, with the club linked to a host of players to help the club improve on last season.

Dean Smith was sacked after a poor start to the campaign. While Gerrard steadied the ship, he will want to better their 14^th position next year.

In light of this, here are Aston Villas’ latest transfer rumours:

Villa favourites for Tarkowski

Aston Villa are leading the race to sign out of contract Burnley defender James Tarkowski, according to The Athletic.

The 29-year-old defender is looking for a way back into the Premier League after Burnley were relegated to the championship.

It seemed that Everton were the frontrunners for Tarkowski’s signature but Villa now seems to be in pole position after making defensive reinforcements a priority.

Tarkowski has been capped by England twice and will bring plenty of Premier League experience to his new club.

West Ham eye Villa forwards

West Ham manager David Moyes is on the hunt for some new attacking options for West Ham and he has identified Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings as potential options.

Antonio is the only fully-fledged striker the Hammers have at present and Moyes demands this is not the case for the upcoming season.

It is unlikely that Villa boss Gerrard will let either of the strikers go unless they have a confirmed replacement ready.

Bissouma a target for Gerrard

After failing to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in January, journalist Peter O’Rourke expects the club to revisit the player this summer.

Gerrard recognises that a defensive midfielder is needed at the club to shore up the defensive frailties of his side.

Villa have signed Kamara already but one more midfielder option would provide Villa with squad depth they certainly missed last season.