Player on ‘radar’ of Aston Villa wanted by European side as Steven Gerrard names squad for tour

Aston Villa are preparing for Steven Gerrard’s first full season at the helm.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder left his role as manager at Rangers to return to the Premier League during the last campaign and replaced Dean Smith at Villa Park.

It will be interesting to see how his Villa side do next term under his guidance.

Here is a look at all the latest news coming out of the club today....

Ajax want target

Ajax have joined the race to sign Aston Villa-linked Calvin Bassey from Rangers.

The centre-back has caught the eye playing in Scotland and is a wanted man in this transfer window.

The Daily Mail report that the Dutch champions want to lure him to the Eredivisie and also mention the fact Villa have had him on their ‘radar’.

Youngsters taken on tour

Gerrard has named the squad he is taking on the pre-season tour of Australia.

Youngsters like Kaine Kesler Hayden, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Aaron Ramsey, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Cameron Archer, who all spent last season on loan in the Football League to gain experience, are all heading Down Under with the first-team.

They will all be looking to impress and prove why they should be in the plans for the senior side.

Target breaks silence

Aston Villa-linked Conor Gallagher wants to prove he is capable of playing for Chelsea.

The attacking midfielder spent last term on loan at Crystal Palace and was a hit with the Eagles.

He has said, as per BBC Sport: “I feel like this is the season. I’ve been a Chelsea fan my whole life, my family have, it’s been a dream to play [for Chelsea] but I want to try and impress, and play as much football as I can and affect the game when I’m on the pitch.

“[Tuchel] said he wants me to be part of the squad and to prove myself in pre-season, so that’s the plan.

“I’m happy with that and just willing to work as hard as I can to prove to him that I can play for Chelsea.”