Noel Whelan has backed Aston Villa to make three “top quality” additions this summer as they eye a “top six” finish.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Steven Gerrard, 41, will want to strengthen the “spine” of his Villa side in the main window.
An Aston Villa source told Football Insider on 1 April that the Midlands side are set for a “huge” spending spree in the coming months as they look to back Gerrard in his first summer window at the club.
This site understands owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris will likely bankroll over £150m worth of new signings, more than the £116m they spent this term.
Big spenders Aston Villa have underachieved this term and currently sit some 15 points adrift of a European berth.
Whelan suggested a permanent move for loan star Philippe Coutinho will be Gerrard’s primary target this summer.
“They’ve got a really balanced squad and an abundance of talent already,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I’m sure they’ll do a permanent deal for Coutinho this
summer.
“But they’ll need to strengthen even more if they want to
crack that top six – and I think Gerrard will be looking down the spine of the
side.
“Another centre-back would allow them to play three at
the back and would give even more competition to the likes of Konsa and Mings.
“Holding midfield could be another priority, we’ve seen
Douglas Luiz be linked with a move away.
“I think those three additions, if they’re of a real top
quality, could allow them to push for that top six – especially after a full
pre-season with Gerrard.”
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By: Noel Whelan
Title: Whelan ‘sure’ Aston Villa signing superstar after source’s ‘huge’ £150m reveal
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/expert-sure-aston-villa-to-sign-superstar-after-sources-huge-150m-transfer-reveal/
Published Date: Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000
