Liverpool ace Joe Gomez is preparing himself for a 'big summer ahead' as he looks to secure a move away from Anfield, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Gomez played the full 90 minutes as the Reds booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup by overcoming Championship side Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but it appears the central defender could head onto pastures new at the end of the season.
What's the latest news involving Gomez?
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have reportedly added Gomez to their shortlist of targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business.
The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Villa Park in January but a switch failed to materialise after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp opted to reject all advances as the deadline loomed.
Villa head coach Steven Gerrard is known to be a ‘huge admirer’ of Gomez, while Newcastle have the potential to meet any financial demands as they are the richest club in world football.
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are open to sanctioning the 11-cap England international's departure if a bid in the region of £25million is lodged.
The report suggests Newcastle are open to meeting those demands and Gomez is looking to seal his Anfield exit before the summer window closes.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Gomez?
O'Rourke believes Gomez is keen to secure a switch away from Merseyside as he has grown frustrated with a lack of action.
The journalist feels the former Charlton Athletic man is not content with being behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate in the central defensive pecking order.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a big summer ahead for Joe Gomez. He was obviously linked with a possible move to Villa in January and Liverpool decided to keep Gomez around.
"But he is probably the fourth choice centre-back at Anfield right now and that's what Joe Gomez doesn't want to be there. He wants to be playing regular first-team football."
Why would Gomez want to leave Liverpool?
Gomez may have enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Anfield, which has seen him make 136 appearances, but his opportunities have dried up.
The centre-half has only been afforded 710 minutes of action since the season got underway, highlighting the fact he is not at the forefront of Klopp's thinking despite the Reds chief describing Gomez as 'outstanding'.
In fact, he has only made one Premier League start this term, with that coming away from his favoured position as he filled in at right-back, and a lack of action will hamper Gomez's chances of breaking back into the England set-up ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.