Aston Villa have chance to sign player Gerrard called ‘world-class’ for £5m

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If Matt Targett wanted to prove that Steven Gerrard does not need a new left-back at Aston Villa, then his performance in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Brentford may have done his chances more harm than good.

The former Southampton youngster struggled in West London and, while his role in Mads Roerslev’s late winner has perhaps been slightly exaggerrated, his overall display certainly left a lot to be desired.

How much Aston Villa are willing to pay for an apparent upgrade on the left-hand flank, however, remains to be seen.

If reports are to be believed, the Midland giants are eyeing up an ambitious deal for Everton’s Lucas Digne following that high-profile fall-out with Rafael Benitez (Mail).

Digne, however, is valued in the region of £20 million. And while Aston Villa appear to be a club on the up – and one not exactly short of cash – the France international is likely to have better offers on the table.

If reports are to be believed, Borna Sosa will cost even more than Digne. The Stuttgart schemer, who’s pinpoint crossing has lead to comparisons with none other than David Beckham, is rumoured to cost £25 million.

So maybe Gerrard could look a little closer to home.

Because, while one Croatia international called Borna would require a bank-busting sort of sum, another Croatia international called Borna can be snapped up for a damn sight less.

Will Borna Barisic reunite with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa?

According to The Sun, Rangers have rejected a pair of bids from Watford for Borna Barisic.

If the Hornets return with a third offer of £5 million, however, well then that could be enough to twist Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s arm.

Gerrard described Barisic as an ‘outstanding’, even ‘world-class’ talent during their time together at Ibrox.

He is, stylistically speaking, very similar to both Digne and Sosa too; attack-minded, adventurous and boasting a cross so fearful it would give Jesus Christ himself flashbacks.

Cheaper does not automatically mean better, however, and Aston Villa are ambitious and well-heeled enough to press ahead with a move for the more expensive Sosa or Digne.

But given his relationship with Gerrard and the innate understanding of his style of play, this feels like a £5 million bargain worth taking a punt on.