Aston Villa: Gerrard now wants to sign player ‘he knows’ at Villa Park | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to sign a player that he knows for sure will deliver on and off the pitch this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Liverpool legend has overseen a mixed start to the Premier League season, with a defeat to Bournemouth followed by victory against Everton, but he could still strengthen ahead of the deadline.

What is the latest transfer news from Villa?

Reports in Spain have linked the West Midlands side with a move for Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding in the final days of the window.

The news comes after Diego Carlos ruptured his Achilles tendon in the dying moments against the Toffees on Saturday afternoon, potentially ruling him out until 2023.

Carlos only made the move to Villa during the summer transfer window, sealing a switch from Sevilla for £26 million, but is now set to be out of action for some time.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car is being targeted by Gerrard and co. as another potential replacement for the Brazilian.

However, the manager will likely only sign off on a deal if he trusts the target to deliver.

What has Jones said about Gerrard’s current transfer plans?

Jones understands that the former midfielder only wants to sign players that he has a good idea of prior to their arrival.

The transfer insider says that Gerrard doesn’t have to have previously worked with them specifically, but he does want to trust that reports he receives on targets are trustworthy.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Steven Gerrard prefers the idea of signing somebody that he actually knows in terms of character on and off the pitch. Whether that’s personally or not, isn’t necessarily the case. It’s more being able to call upon people that he trusts at other clubs to get a proper report on that player that he’s going to sign.”

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What have Villa been up to this summer?

The West Midlands club got a large chunk of their business completed early in the transfer window.

Boubacar Kamara joined on a free transfer after his contract with Marseille expired, adding some crucial depth to midfield.

Philippe Coutinho was also able to complete a permanent switch from Barcelona after joining on an initial loan in January.

After Carlos completed his move, Robin Olsen joinedjoined on a temporary deal.