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Morgan Sanson tracked by Nantes and Steven Gerrard's previous thoughts on Paul Pogba amid Aston Villa links

Latest Aston Villa transfer news from BirminghamLive involving Paul Pogba, Morgan Sanson, summer plans and Philippe Coutinho

Morgan Sanson during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park
Morgan Sanson during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park

Here's the big Aston Villa headlines for Friday, March 25.

Steven Gerrard's 'big player' linked with surprise Aston Villa transfer


Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson has not ruled out a departure from Villa Park this summer, according to reports.


It is being claimed in Sanson's native France that the January 2021 signing from Marseille is being eyed up by Ligue 1 side Nantes, who have made him a 'priority'. French media outlet Foot Mercato report that Nantes and their rivals across the English Channel will be looking to bring Sanson back to his homeland if Villa deem him surplus to requirements.

READ MORE: Arsenal make 'contact' over Philippe Coutinho transfer as Aston Villa put on red alert

READ MORE: What happened to Aston Villa's next Jack Grealish?

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Sanson has struggled to establish himself as a regular for Villa since he was brought in by Dean Smith over a year ago, mainly because of injury, but he has shown glimpses of quality when he has played. The 27 year-old came on as a substitute in wins against Brighton and Hove Albion, Southampton and Leeds United, controlling those games for the final 20 minutes.

However, he has remained on the substitute's bench for the following couple of matches and in terms of actual starts for Vila he has only made five in the Premier League. Villa boss Steven Gerrard, who has previously called Sanson a 'big player' is set to use the upcoming transfer window to bring in a new midfielder with Yves Bissouma and Kalvin Phillips of Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United respectively both transfer targets.

More HERE.


Aston Villa summer transfer list and key issues Christian Purslow must address

It's all pointing towards another big summer of change at Villa Park as Steven Gerrard embarks on his first full season at Aston Villa. In Villa's last two defeats to West Ham and Arsenal, Gerrard has outlined how Villa are currently "lacking a certain profile" of player while, against the Gunners, hit out at some for "lacking belief" in carrying out his game plan.

Gerrard, 41, will be backed by his boss Christian Purslow this summer with the pair tasked with driving the Villa ship back into Europe on behalf of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens. Villa will target European qualification in May 2023.


Ahead of the summer, here's some of what needs to happen and some issues to iron out before attention turns to 2022/23. You can have your say in the comments section here.

More HERE.

Steven Gerrard comments on Paul Pogba as shock Aston Villa transfer claim made


Aston Villa have been linked with a shock transfer swoop for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Sun claim that Villa and their Premier League rivals Newcastle United are keeping an eye on the 29 year-old's current predicament with his contract up at Old Trafford come the end of the season. Pogba has been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona while his old club, Juventus, have also been credited with an interest in the France star.

Villa are looking to beef up their squad in the summer with boss Steven Gerrard expected to take his team on a challenge for a place in Europe next season. A midfielder is likely to be on Gerrard's transfer shortlist but a move for Pogba is not expected to happen, not least because of his potential wage demands and signing fee as a free agent.


More HERE.

Liverpool stance on stunning Coutinho return as Barcelona could rip up Aston Villa agreement

Philippe Coutinho before Aston Villa's game against Arsenal(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho is set to leave Barcelona permanently this summer, with reports suggesting there will be no lack of suitors for his signature.

Aston Villa are currently the frontrunners after the Brazilian joined the club on loan from the La Liga giants back in January. Villa also have an option to buy the playmaker at the end of the season for a fee reported to be £33million.

Though, the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Coutinho to play out the final years he has at the top of his game, as he'll turn 30 before the start of next season. Reports have also suggested his former employers Liverpool are 'open' to him returning to Anfield.

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Coutinho has been a revelation at Villa Park, scoring four and assisting three in his 10 appearances so far. Coutinho has, though, been a little quiet in Villa's most-recent games with West Ham and Arsenal, but head coach Steven Gerrard - who's desperate to sign his former teammate - said: "He's human. At times he's been outstanding."

The 29-year-old has also signalled that he is enjoying life at Villa. Speaking to Brazilian TV, Coutinho said: "I had a change of club and I was very welcomed by all the players, members of staff and the fans. So I'm in an amazing place right now and I'm very happy to be there."

More HERE.

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