Aston Villa are expected to be in for a busy summer transfer window as they look to build a squad capable of improving on their 14th place Premier League finish this season.
It was a relatively disappointing campaign for Steven Gerrard, who replaced Dean Smith in the dugout in November 2021, but the former Liverpool skipper will now have his first Summer transfer window as Villa manager to really shape the squad in his own image.
The 41-year old has already secured former Anfield teammate Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal and could turn to another player who he shared the dressing room with on Merseyside as his next ‘big name’ capture.
The Reds might not be the only one of Gerrard’s old stomping grounds that he turns to for fresh faces as more than one of the stars who featured under him during his time as Rangers manager have been linked.
There are also players from across the Premier League and Europe that the Villains are rumoured to be tracking ahead of the transfer window officially opening next month.
Some would command substantial transfer fees while others might be available on a free but would still be joining on the higher end of the club’s wage scale should they make the move.
Here are nine ‘big money’ transfer deals that Aston Villa have been rumoured to be eyeing up in the 2022 summer transfer window:
1. Luis Suarez
The former Liverpool striker might be available on a free transfer once his Atletico Madrid contract expires but Vill would almost certainly have to make him their top earner in wages to secure his signature
2. Kalvin Phillips
A deal would have been more likely had Leeds been relegated but, having survived, the Elland Road side reportedly want £60m for the England midfielder who has previously been linked with Villa
3. Yves Bissouma
The Brighton midfielder is a cheaper alternative to Phillips at a reported £30m but Villa could face competition from Spurs for his signature should they make another move
4. James Tarkowski
Like Suarez, the England defender is available on a free but Everton have reportedly already offerd the Burnley skipper £120k p/w in wages and Villa would probably need to equal or better that