Aston Villa are likely to step up their interest in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma again this summer, claims journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Villans have already wrapped up deals for two midfielders ahead of the transfer window opening, and O'Rourke expects them to go after another player to bolster their ranks in the middle of the park.

What's the latest news at Villa?

The club announced the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona earlier this month, and they confirmed on Monday that Boubacar Kamara will also be heading to Villa Park when his contract at Marseille expires next month.

Steven Gerrard appears keen to piece his squad together as quickly as possible, and the Premier League outfit have also reached an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos, while they are closing in on the signing of Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, according to The Times.

Villa only managed to finish 14th in the Premier League, but with new signings coming through the door, they could have their sights set on a push for Europe next year.

Chelsea CLOSE to signing Jules Kounde! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

What has O'Rourke said about Bissouma?

Gerrard has confirmed that Villa had a bid for Bissouma rejected in January. Despite bringing in Coutinho and Kamara since then, O'Rourke still thinks the Midlands club could try to tempt Bissouma away from the Amex Stadium ahead of next season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “We all know Villa have held a long-term interest in Yves Bissouma. They tried to sign him in January, but Brighton managed to hold on to him. I would expect Villa to be considering a move again for him in the summer transfer window.

“If they were to get him and Kamara in the same window, I think we’d definitely see an improvement in that Villa midfield in general.”

Will Gerrard still be interested in Bissouma after landing Coutinho and Kamara?

Some may wonder whether adding Bissouma to the Villa squad is necessary as Gerrard now has an abundance of talent in midfield.

However, it should be remembered that Kamara is arriving on a free transfer, and Coutinho only cost £17m, meaning there should be plenty of money left in the transfer kitty to spend on Bissouma, if that's what Gerrard wants.

The Mali international was valued at £50m by Brighton back in January, but he is about to move into the final year of his contract, indicating that Villa may be able to get him at a considerably lower price.

If they can get a deal for him over the line for the 25-year-old, who Lee Hendrie believes is "phenomenal", Gerrard would be left with some mouthwatering options in midfield.

Of course, the Villa boss would have to figure out how to fit the likes of John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz into his team - provided they all stay at the club - but this could be a selection headache that Gerrard would surely welcome.