Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to get the ‘base and the spine’ of his team sorted before adding some ‘flair players’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Villans have already announced their first two acquisitions of the upcoming transfer window before its officially opened, indicating a busy summer lies ahead.

What is the latest news involving Aston Villa?

Just days after the Midlands outfit revealed Philippe Coutinho’s loan move from Barcelona had been made permanent for £17 million, Boubacar Kamara followed in his footsteps, joining from Marseille as a free agent.

The talented duo will add significant strength to Gerrard’s midfield, but it seems the retired England legend is eager to make further additions through the middle of the pitch.

According to The Times Scotland, Villa are closing in on a deal for the highly-rated Rangers centre-back Calvin Bassey following his outstanding displays domestically and in Europe.

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Gerrard signed the Nigeria international for the Gers from Leicester City back in July 2020 and the pair could be reunited at Villa Park imminently.

Meanwhile, The Athletic have disclosed how Villa are exploring the possibility of bringing Sevilla defender Diego Carlos to the club after his January move to Newcastle United collapsed.

What has Jones said?

Gerrard is also believed to be keen to bring in a new striker, with former teammate Luis Suarez on his wish list, and Jones believes the 41-year-old tactician is eager to get his top targets in before pre-season.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think that he wants that sorted before they get to pre-season so that he's got the base and the spine of his team there.

“So, then he can work around and add a couple of little flair players or bits and pieces that can finish off the job.”

Who else could Aston Villa sign?

Once Gerrard has sufficiently reinforced his squad’s spine, he may look to add to his options out wide due to the underwhelming campaigns experienced by the players currently at his disposal.

Leon Bailey registered just one goal and two assists in his 18 Premier League appearances, while fellow winger Bertrand Traore failed to notch a single goal contribution in nine top-flight fixtures.

As a result, Villa are believed to be keeping close tabs on PSV Eindhoven ace Noni Madueke, who has established himself as one of Dutch football’s most promising young attacking stars.

Whether Gerrard has enough room left in the budget for the England Under-21 international remains to be seen, but he could offer an upgrade on Villa’s right-wing options.