Aston Villa targets Allan Saint-Maximin and Noni Madueke would 'bring something that's missing' from Steven Gerrard's Villa Park squad, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Gerrard, who was appointed as the Midlands side's head coach last November, could look to add summer reinforcements ahead of his first full campaign at the helm.

What's the latest news involving Saint-Maximin and Madueke?

According to The Mail on Sunday, Villa are among a number of clubs monitoring Saint-Maximin's situation at Newcastle.

The report suggests the winger, who has shown his productivity in the final third by registering 27 goals and 33 assists, could be allowed to leave St James' Park if a bid in the region of £50million is lodged.

Agreeing to meet that figure would result in Villa making the 25-year-old Frenchman the most expensive signing in their history.

Villa are also keeping tabs on PSV Eindhoven wide-man Madueke ahead of the reopening of the transfer window.

The 20-year-old, who is valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt and boasts 31 goal involvements for PSV, was watched by Gerrard and assistant Gary McAllister when his current employers headed to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City in the Europa Conference League earlier this month.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about the duo?

O'Rourke understands that Gerrard is desperate to improve his options in the wide areas, with Saint-Maximin and Madueke among his targets.

The journalist feels acquiring either of the wingers would enable Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings to be even more productive in front of goal.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It seems to be an area that he is looking to strengthen.

"Those two players do bring something that's missing in the Villa team right now - a wide player who can beat his defender and provide ammunition for the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings when they do play."

Who are Villa's current wingers?

Leon Bailey, Philippe Coutinho, Emiliano Buendia and Bertrand Traore are the wide-men currently at Gerrard's disposal.

However, Bailey has been hampered by injuries since his £25million switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Buendia has featured in various positions across Villa's midfield, while Coutinho has regularly been deployed centrally rather than out wide and that has paid off with him contributing four goals and three assists.

Traore does not appear to have a long-term future in the Midlands as he has only been offered 235 minutes of action this season.