Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side have shown great ambition in the transfer market so far.
Aston Villa have been linked with four signings who would give them a squad capable of challenging the top 10 in the Premier League already this summer.
John McGinn claimed last week that Villa wanted to emulate Wolves on their first season back in the top flight.
Wolves finished seventh, and McGinn’s initial comments seemed overly ambitious – but Villa’s transfer plans really prove that they are trying to make an impact.
Villa have already been linked with Jack Butland in The Sun, Tyrone Mings, Saed Benrahma (Sky Sports) and Maxi Gomez (Sport 890) and if they get deals for the quartet over the line then their squad could push into the top half.
Smith has already been ruthless in his transfer deals, releasing the likes of Alan Hutton and Albert Adomah.
And if Villa were to bring in Butland it would once again show that there is no time for sentiment at Villa Park.
Jed Steer may have earned Villa promotion, but Butland is a considerable upgrade, and if the claret and blues can get their target then they will have a very reliable stopper to build their team around.
Mings’s impact on Villa’s defence was clear to see last term, and his return, which they are pushing for according to Sky Sports, will be crucial.
Benrahma and Gomez, meanwhile, would sprinkle some star quality on Villa’s attacking ranks.
Benrahma could have the ability to burst down the flank and deliver the type of service which the powerful Gomez thrives on.
And if Villa can complete the four signings then their transfer business will be the envy of many more established Premier League sides.
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