Aston Villa will not rush into signing a striker to replace Ollie Watkins and Dannys Ings, claims Dean Jones.

The transfer insider has told GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club are open to bringing in a new forward but will only act if they can find someone better than the aforementioned names and are thus prepared to wait.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What has Villa's transfer strategy been so far?

Villa manager Steven Gerrard has mainly focused on strengthening the team's midfield and defence.

Back in May, the Villans announced that Boubacar Kamara would be joining on a free transfer after the expiration of his contract at Marseille, while a month later, they confirmed the signing of Diego Carlos from Sevilla.

Upon his arrival, the Brazilian told the club's official website: "I am really happy because the Premier League is one of the best competitions."

Villa have also signed Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal following his successful loan spell at Villa Park last season, so it really has been a productive transfer window for the Midlands outfit.

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What has Jones said about Villa's transfer plans?

Jones now thinks Villa could look to sign a new No.9, but only if he is an upgrade on Watkins and Ings.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "In attack, it's got to be somebody that is an upgrade on Watkins and Ings in terms of what they're going to bring you in output.

"There are a lot of players of a similar level to Watkins and Ings, but I think the feeling is that if there's not a guarantee that we're going to get more goals out of this guy, then we will just wait because somebody else will still become available in this window."

Who would represent an upgrade on Watkins and Ings?

Luis Suarez would. Despite being 35 years of age, the former Liverpool striker has still been performing at a very high level.

Last season, he scored 11 league goals for Atletico Madrid, while the campaign prior, he registered 21 as Diego Simeone's men went on to win the title.

Suarez has been linked with a move to Villa Park; however, BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty said last month that he is not someone the club are currently considering.

With Suarez seemingly not an option, it would not be a surprise if Gerrard went into the new season with just Watkins and Ings, who cost the Premier League outfit around £53m combined.

Still, there is a long way to go before the transfer window closes, so perhaps that upgrade Gerrard is looking for could eventually become available.