Aston Villa target Maxence Lacroix is ‘more achievable’ than bringing Liverpool’s Joe Gomez to the club, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Midlands outfit are expected to be very active over the summer transfer window after enduring an underwhelming campaign that saw Steven Gerrard replace Dean Smith at the helm.

What is the latest news involving Aston Villa?

Villa have already announced the signing of loanee Philippe Coutinho on a permanent basis from Barcelona following a successful six-month loan spell at the club.

And the club have now revealed former Marseille defender Boubacar Kamara will be the next star to arrive at Villa Park when his contract expires at the Stade Velodrome next month.

According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, the Villans are also interested in snapping up Wolfsburg defender Lacroix to improve their backline.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle United are also keen to bring the 22-year-old to English shores, sparking a potential bidding war for his services.

It was previously reported by Sky Germany (via Bulinews) that a €40 million (£34m) release clause will become active in Lacroix’s contract this summer.

What has O’Rourke said about Lacroix?

The Mirror have also claimed that Gerrard is plotting a raid on his former side for Gomez, who has fallen down the Anfield pecking order in recent times.

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But O’Rourke believes Lacroix is more attainable than the England international and that his current club ‘might consider selling him’ for the right price.

He told GiveMeSport: “Lacroix could be a more achievable target for Aston Villa right now. They could maybe put in a decent offer for him. I'm sure Wolfsburg reluctantly might consider selling him to get the money.”

Would Lacroix be a good signing?

BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan claimed earlier this season that the former France Under-20 international is a “top tier” centre-back talent, and it’s easy to understand why.

Lacroix has established himself as one of the most promising defensive talents in the Bundesliga since arriving at Wolfsburg from boyhood club Sochaux in August 2020, racking up 72 appearances in that time.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 ace has ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions and the 99th for dribbles completed amongst players in his position over the last year, highlighting his effectiveness as a modern-day centre-back.

Gerrard will surely be hoping he can fend off the competition for Lacroix’s signature, therefore, adding another astute acquisition to his first-team squad.