Aston Villa have ‘a more realistic’ chance of signing Inter defender Stefan de Vrij than Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Midlands outfit have been linked with ambitious moves for both players in recent weeks as manager Steven Gerrard looks to bolster his first-team squad over the summer.

What is the latest news involving Villa?

According to Football Insider, De Vrij is on Villa’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, with more big names expected to be targeted following the arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

The 30-year-old has been widely tipped to depart San Siro when the market reopens with his current contract set to expire in just over a years’ time.

But Villa could face stiff competition for De Vrij’s signature. The 55-cap Netherlands international has also been attracting the attention of former boss Antonio Conte, who is believed to be keen on a reunion at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Gerrard’s charges are also reportedly ‘monitoring the situation’ of Pogba ahead of a potential move, according to The Sun.

The France international could be available on a free transfer in the summer, and the Villa Park side may be tempted to try their luck and attempt to lure him to the club.

What has Jones said about De Vrij and Pogba?

Pogba voiced his displeasure at how his return to United has panned out during the latest international break, revealing his time at Old Trafford has ‘not satisfied’ him.

“The last five seasons have not satisfied me – really not at all,” he said. “This year it is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it is with Manchester United or at another club, I want to win trophies.”

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But Villa haven’t won a major trophy since the League Cup in 1995/96, and Jones believes securing De Vrij’s signature is a more achievable goal than going after Pogba’s.

In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “De Vrij, maybe. I think that’s a more realistic one (than Pogba).”

Would De Vrij be a good signing?

De Vrij - who earns a reported £116,000-per-week - formed a formidable partnership alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar at the heart of Inter’s defence last term as they kept the best defensive record in the Italian top-flight.

Those solid foundations enabled Inter to claim their first Serie A title in 11 years, but De Vrij could be forced to seek a new challenge next season.

With over 400 senior appearances to his name, the 6 foot 2 beast would surely be seen as a significant coup for Villa, and his arrival would have the potential to take Gerrard’s side to new levels.