Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Joe Gomez latest: Aston Villa push forward with move as surprisingly high offer being prepared for Liverpool man

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp embracing centre-half Joe Gomez

Aston Villa are reportedly pushing forward in their efforts to sign Liverpool defender Joe Gomez this summer and are ready to make a surprisingly high bid to sign the player.

The 25-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order of centre-backs at Anfield, with 2021 signing Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip ahead of him to pair up alongside Virgil van Dijk in Jurgen Klopp’s defence.

That has led to Reds legend and Villa boss Steven Gerrard putting Gomez high on his list of summer targets.

The former Charlton defender has been on Gerrard’s radar for several months now. However, it looks like Villa are finally ready to get serious and make a concrete offer for the player.

Gerrard is known to be a huge admirer of Gomez’s ability to play centrally or at right-back.

To that end, a report in the Daily Star claims Villa are preparing an offer of around £30m for the defender.

As for Gomez himself, the player is fully aware that he may have to leave to realise his World Cup dream.

Gomez has fallen completely out of favour with the Three Lions. However, he hopes that playing regularly again will give him the opportunity to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans for Qatar later in the year.

It now remains to be seen whether Liverpool will entertain any serious offers for the player.

Klopp still values Gomez versatility

Jurgen Klopp has gone on record in the past that he wants to keep Gomez, with a new deal mooted. He views the defender as crucial defensive cover, but Gomez feels he is better than being a bench player.

The centre-back played a key role in the recent Champions League and Premier League triumphs. However, he made just 11 competitive starts for the club last season.

One pundit, though, believes that Gomez is more likely to stay put than leave.

Former Tottenham and England keeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider: “If you are in all of the cup competitions until the latter stages, most players will get 20 appearances in a season.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a regular starter. If you are a valued squad member you will play your part. Where would you want to go?

“Why would you want to leave Liverpool? They are one of if not the best team in Europe right now.”

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