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:
5. LB - Aaron Hickey
The 19-year old is one of the most in demand young players in Europe and Villa could devote a lot of time to trying to sign him from Serie A side Bologna this summer | AFP via Getty Images
6. CDM - Geoffrey Kondogbia
Steven Gerrard has reportedly travelled to Spain to personally scout the Atletico Madrid midfielder who is understood to be a “serious target” for the club | Getty Images
7. CM - Yves Bissouma
The Brighton man has been linked with a move away from the Amex for the best part of a year and Villa’s name has constantly been in the conversation | Getty Images
8. CM - Wilfred Ndidi
It is a move that has been described as “ambitious” and could cost Villas as much as £50m but the Leicester City midfielder is understood to be a target for Villa | Getty Images