Matt Targett’s permanent transfer to Newcastle United could prove to be the first of many at Villa Park this summer.
All the talk recently has been surrounding incomings at Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard looks to mould a squad into the way he wants it and whilst we’ve already seen new faces through the door - with more expected - outgoings will be just as important.
Targett’s £12million move to the Magpies could prove to be the first of many with a number of under contract fringe players either no longer fancied or simply too far down the pecking order to likely ever be involved again.
Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi were two other senior members of the playing squad that were loaned out along with Targett in January and both will likely be sold if an appropriate offer comes in.
Like the left-back, those two have played a big part in the revival of Villa over the last few years and it will be sad to see them go but the with the hopes and ambitions for the team in the seasons ahead - there needs to be a ruthlessness about decisions - and Gerrard certainly has that about him.
Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...
1. Toffees eye Truffert
Everton and West Ham United are among a host of clubs interested in Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert ahead of the summer transfer window. (L’Equipe) | AFP via Getty Images
2. Luiz has a special admirer
Serie A side Roma have expressed interest in Luiz (Express & Star) | Getty Images
3. Saints close in on Bazunu
Southampton are on the verge of signing Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu after Fraser Forster completed his free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. (The Athletic) | Getty Images
4. Spurs rebuffed by Rashford
Tottenham have been snubbed in their efforts to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. (The Times) | Manchester United via Getty Imag