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:
9. CAM - John McGinn
The Scotland international has been brilliant for both club and country once again this season and should spearhead Villa’s midfield next season unless another club decides to make a big money move | Getty Images
10. CF - Ollie Watkins
Watkins has established himself as first choice striker at Villa Park and has worked his way into the England set up over the past season and a half | Getty Images
11. CF - Philippe Coutinho
Although his form has been erratic there is no doubting the Brazilian’s quality and Villa could make a move to sign him permanently from Barcelona with a bid of £33m | Getty Images