Aston Villa step up interest in Croatian star ahead of summer transfer window

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ready to look to France as he prepares to strengthen his defensive options during the summer transfer window.

Marseille’s Croatian international defender Duje Caleta-Car is said to be on the radar of the Villa recruitment team and are impressed with what they have witnessed during scouting trips to the South of France.

Football Insider have reported Villa are ready to step up their interest in the 25-year-old centre-back after Gerrard witnessed his performance in Marseille’s 3-2 win against Nantes in midweek.

It is believed Gerrard travelled to the Stade Velodrome to take a personal check on another target - midfielder Boubacar Kamara - but was left impressed with Caleta-Car’s display.

Villa ready for transfer battle with Premier League rivals as PSV star is monitored

Gerrard is also hoping to add a defensive midfielder to his squad during the summer and Marseille star Kamara is not the only option under consideration.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato have reported Villa are monitoring the progress of PSV star Ibrahim Sangare, who is playing a key role as the Dutch giants look for success on a number of fronts this season.

After joining PSV from French club Toulouse in 2020, Sangare has impressed in the Eredivise and many onlookers believe he is ready to move to one of European football’s major leagues.

The Ivory Coast international has also been linked with a move to West Ham United and a summer transfer battle seems likely to play out once the season is over.

Pundit believes Atletico Madrid star would be a “statement signing” for Villa

Steven Gerrard has already used his Liverpool connections this season after he tempted former Reds team-mate Philippe Coutinho to join Villa on loan during the January transfer window.

And the Anfield legend has been contiually linked with another former Liverpool star as Uruguyan striker Luis Suarez approaches the end of his current contract with reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

The Villans are reportedly showing a keen interest in the former Barcelona frontman, who has enjoyed a fruitful stay in Spain by claiming five La Liga titles and the Champions League.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke is unsure whether Suarez will end up at Villa Park - but believes it would be a “statement signing” if Gerrard can link up with his former team-mate once again.

He told GiveMeSport: “I’d be surprised if this move is to happen. But, I think for Villa, they’re definitely an ambitious club going forward right now, and if they could get someone like Luis Suarez, it would be a real statement signing from the club.

“And it has been an issue for Villa this season, the lack of goals or lack of goals from their forwards, so if you brought someone like Luis Suarez to the club, it would bring a big improvement to their attacking options.”