Aston Villa should look to bring in Burnley defender James Tarkowski as they search for a new club captain, according to journalist Josh Holland.

The Midlands outfit are expected to be in the market for a new leader over the summer after Steven Gerrard has seemingly been left unimpressed with his current options.

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Gerrard stated that he would assess the issue of Villa’s captaincy going forwards during his first press conference following his switch from Rangers back in November.

"The captaincy is one of the decisions I am going to be analysing moving forward,” said the 41-year-old tactician.

“I spoke to Tyrone on a couple of occasions…He will remain captain in the short-term, and he will be given every opportunity to impress us and prove he can be the right man for the job. In terms of the long-term decision on that role, I don’t have to commit to that today."

However, just last month, Gerrard provided an update on the situation, revealing that he could yet bring a player in to lead the dressing room next term.

“We are still working that out,” he said on the subject of the captaincy. “I still won’t rule out the option of someone coming in, who I know, who is also capable of being in the running.

“It is something I am analysing really closely now, and I will make a decision sometime during pre-season.”

What has Holland said about Tarkowski?

At Rangers, Gerrard handed James Tavernier the armband straightaway, replacing Lee Wallace, but Holland has cast doubts over the duo linking up once again at Villa Park.

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When asked if the right-back could be an option for Villa, he told GiveMeSport: “Possibly, but if you bring in James Tavernier, is he going to get in over Matty Cash? And, you know, a captain who's not playing.

“I think if we're talking about captain replacements who they can bring in, James Tarkowski is a good shout. His contract runs out at Burnley this summer, whether they stay up, I still don't think he will stay at the club; you'd like to think they would have confirmed it by now.”

Would Tarkowski be a good signing?

Tarkowski, who reportedly earns £50,000-per-week and has been labelled “exceptional", could be available on a free transfer as his contract is set to expire in just a few months’ time.

The England international has amassed nearly 200 Premier League appearances throughout his impressive career, captaining Burnley on 10 occasions this season, showcasing his leadership qualities.

Therefore, Tarkowski could be a player who Gerrard is monitoring as he looks to add players with more command into his Villa dressing room.