Steven Gerrard could be announced as Aston Villa’s new manager very soon as his potential departure from Rangers takes a step closer.
The Liverpool legend could raid his old clubs as he looks to transform Villa’s fortunes, something he did in Scotland.
The Villans are in search of a new coach since relieving Dean Smith of his duties, and could make the iconic Liverpool captain their next manager at Villa Park.
Having obtained managerial experience at Rangers, where last season he won the title for the club for the first time since 2011, it’s clear to see why Villa are keen to give Gerrard his first taste of Premier League football as a manager.
Should a deal be agreed with the manager and his club, it could see Gerrard make a return to England where he could be keen on bringing a few players he’s managed before with him.
That includes some of those who coached when he was in charge of Liverpool’s Under-18s, but who might he target? talkSPORT.com takes a look.
Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
It may be unlikely that a permanent deal for the Liverpool starlet goes ahead given Jurgen Klopp’s fondness of him, but it seems likely Gerrard would be keen to be re-united with Jones.
Having helped develop his game during their time at the Reds’ Under-18s together, Gerrard may want to help continue his progression even further.
Given he is still just 20 years old a loan could be possible if Klopp wants him to feature more regularly at a Premier League side.
Having to compete for a midfield spot with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Thiago and others, Jones may feel a loan move could also be beneficial if he is to feature more consistently for Liverpool in seasons to come.
Glen Kamara (Rangers)
Having played a crucial role in the club’s title success, Kamara could be someone Gerrard brings down with him from Scotland.
The 26-year-old Finnish international midfielder could also be keen on a return to England to prove himself having been unable to make the grade at Arsenal.
The player was part of the Gunners’ Under-23, Under-19 and Under-18 squads but other than one appearance in the EFL Cup in 2015, Kamara was unable to break into the senior squad.
With that said, Gerrard has clearly been able to get the best out of him and he may want to have the midfielder in his squad at Villa to complement the likes of John McGinn.
Ben Woodburn (Hearts, on loan from Liverpool)
Another to have come from Liverpool’s academy is the 22-year-old Welshman.
He arrived onto the scene at Anfield with a lot of promise having become the youngest ever goal scorer in the club’s history.
Sadly, he has been unable to live up to that promise and has been out on loan at several clubs, which now includes Hearts in Scotland.
There is certainly talent there though and having come up against him already this season, Gerrard may want to add some depth to the Villa attack.
Ianis Hagi (Rangers)
Son of the legendary Gheorghe, Ianis could be another set for a taste of Premier League football.
Another to have made a big impact in Rangers’ title success last season, Hagi is living up to his name having made 15 goal contributions in 27 league games.
The Romanian’s versatility is something Gerrard may be keen on adding at Villa having featured as a left-winger and attacking-midfielder in addition to his usual spot on the right channel.
Ryan Kent (Rangers)
Another to have been unable to establish himself at Liverpool, Kent has found his best form at Rangers under Gerrard.
The 24-year-old’s pace and trickery could be something Gerrard might want to utilise at Villa Park.
Last season the Englishman contributed 13 goals and 15 assists in all competitions to Rangers’ totals.
And Villa might want to get some of that into their team.
