Aston Villa’s 2021/22 season may not be over yet but the club are already being linked with a number of high profile moves in the next transfer window.
Steven Gerrard’s side still have five games remaining to focus on but the Villa boss is also exploring options and scouting ways to strengthen his team for their next campaign.
The Villains already have a strong core of players but can still improve in a few areas, particularly midfield where they are being linked with several big money moves.
In their remaining games they will face Burnley (A), Liverpool (H), Crystal Palace (H), Burnley (H) and Manchester City (A).
Although they are not mathematically safe from relegation there are enough clubs between them and the bottom three that it’s highly unlikely they could be caught.
Meanwhile, a top half finish is still a very real and very achievable goal to aim for in their remaining games.
Once this season is out of the way they can focus fully on incomings and outgoings and aim for real success next season.
Here is how a Aston Villa starting XI could look for the first game of the 2022/23 campaign if they sign some of the players they have been linked with over the past months:
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
The Argentine has been in superb form for Villa this season and has firmly established himself as the clubs number one | Getty Images
2. RB - Matty Cash
Like Martinez, the 24-year old has nailed down his position and will be expected to be first choice right back if he remains at Villa Park beyond the summer | AFP via Getty Images
3. CB - Joe Gomez
Liverpool may look to move the England international on at the end of the season and Villa are amongst the clubs rumoured to be interested with Gerrard’s links to the Reds potentially being pivotal | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
4. CB - Tyrone Mings
Villa are said to be looking to recruit a new left sided centre back, with Rangers Filip Helander linked, but Mings is the current club captain and has featured regularly this campaign | Getty Images