Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore is ‘not good enough’ for Steven Gerrard’s side, according to journalist Josh Holland.

Traore joined the Midlands outfit in a £17 million deal from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon back in September 2020 but has been unable to cement a regular spot in the starting XI ever since.

What is the latest news involving Traore?

The 26-year-old first arrived on English shores in 2013 when he made the brave decision to switch from boyhood club Auxerre to Premier League giants Chelsea.

Despite enjoying successful loan spells at Ajax and Vitesse Arnhem in Holland, Traore only made 16 senior appearances for the Blues before returning to French football on a permanent basis.

His decision to join Lyon paid off as Traore continued to grow his reputation within the game, registering 33 goals and 16 assists in 126 appearances, attracting the attention of Villa.

However, the Burkina Faso international has been unable to replicate that sort of form during his time at Villa despite enjoying a decent maiden campaign for the club.

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In his 38 outings last term, Traore found the back of the net on eight occasions, setting up seven further strikes, yet he’s failed to register a single goal contribution this time around.

The arrivals of Philippe Coutinho, Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey have pushed him down Gerrard’s pecking order, and it seems as though an imminent exit looms.

 What has Holland said about Traore?

In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport, Holland said: “I don't think he's good enough for Villa, personally.

“I think when he first came in, there was a lot of hype about him because he's a former Chelsea player, and he did okay in France, but the injuries have been a problem.

“And I think the consistency levels that he brings are not up to scratch, and I think Gerrard knew that coming in. I think Gerrard knows even more now.”

Could Traore depart Villa Park?

Gerrard has already declared that he will not be afraid to bring in players who can help him ‘fix’ Villa’s current issues on the pitch.

And according to Football Insider, Traore is one of the current crop of underperforming stars who is set to be cut loose by the 41-year-old tactician.

Villa’s owners have been ambitious in the market since their return to the Premier League, but Traore’s acquisition is not one that’s worked out for them.