Aston Villa’s failure to sign Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez this summer will be a cause of frustration for manager Steven Gerrard following Diego Carlos’ injury, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Gerrard has overseen a busy few months of business at Villa Park but still has plenty to do before the window slams shut on September 1.

What is the latest news on Gomez?

The 25-year-old returned to Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI on Monday night for the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It marked his first start since penning a new five-year contract at Anfield back in July, following reports of interest from Newcastle United and Villa.

With Ibrahima Konate currently sidelined after picking up an injury in a clash with Strasbourg in pre-season, and Joel Matip continuing his recovery from a groin problem, Gomez looks set to continue partnering Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.

Villa are on the hunt for a new centre-back of their own after Carlos ruptured his Achilles tendon against Everton this season but any hope of even a loan move for Gomez now seems to be over.

What has Jones said on the situation?

Jones believes that, due to the injury issues in Liverpool’s defence, Villa now have next to no hope of landing the 11-cap England international.

He says it is a situation that will likely leave Gerrard frustrated, with the Anfield legend likely feeling his former club could act as a valuable connection this summer.

When asked whether Villa’s chance to sign Gomez had now gone, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “You'd imagine so. Liverpool are obviously not in great shape at the moment in terms of numbers. So that'll be a cause of frustration for Gerrard because it’s probably the easiest place for him to turn.”

What has Gomez said about the situation?

Shortly after signing his new contract this summer, Gomez spoke out on the rumours linking him with a move to Villa.

While he said the reports were flattering, little attention was paid to them.

“I can’t dispute I heard about these rumours,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “But until things are concrete with my representatives, I take it all with a pinch of salt.

"Any interest is flattering, but I don’t really see it like as that much of a distraction because until I make my decision, the external noise is just that – external."