Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard is taking a 'hands-on approach' by scouting targets in person ahead of potentially welcoming fresh faces to Villa Park and it should be seen as a 'good sign', according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Having led Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title last season, Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands giants' boss in November.

Who has Gerrard been scouting ahead of a potential summer move?

Gerrard was spotted in the Orange Velodrome stands as he ran the rule over Marseille defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara during his current employers' 3-2 win over Nantes last month.

Kamara is set to be available on a free transfer as his £46,000-per-week contract is due to expire in the summer.

That has led to interest from Barcelona, ​​Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Roma, Juventus, Arsenal and Newcastle United, but Villa have reportedly already offered Kamara a ‘big contract’ as they aim to win the race for the 22-year-old.

According to talkSPORT, Villa are also keeping tabs on PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke ahead of potentially lodging a bid when the transfer window reopens.

The report suggests Gerrard and his assistant Gary McAllister watched the four-cap England under-21 international in action during his current employers’ Europa Conference League clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes Gerrard's extensive work ahead of heading to the negotiating table can only be of benefit to Villa.

The transfer insider feels it is important for the 41-year-old to meticulously analyse how each of his targets would bolster his squad.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "It's good from Aston Villa's point of view to see that Gerrard is taking such a hands-on approach to this.

"I think that it also means that they will be in much safer hands when it comes to recruitment if Steven Gerrard has a thorough view and opinion of exactly what these players are bringing in.

"It's a good sign, whoever he is trying to sign, that Gerrard's leading it."

Why is Gerrard looking to add reinforcements?

Villa may not be embroiled in a relegation dogfight, but they are only eight points clear of the Premier League's drop zone heading into the final weeks of the season, meaning there is plenty of room for improvement.

That comes after the Midlands side were the continent's sixth biggest spenders during the January window, so it will concern Gerrard.

The Villa chief made it clear following his appointment that he has a long-term goal of guiding the club back into Europe, so it is likely that he will need to make upgrades across the pitch to reach that target.