Gerrard eyes reunion with Suarez in Villa revamp
Aston Villa are exploring the possibility of signing Luis Suarez, who is a free agent after being released by Atletico Madrid.
The 35-year-old striker is a former Liverpool team-mate of Villa manager Steven Gerrard and the club’s playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who recently completed his permanent move from Barcelona for a cutprice £17million.
Despite his age, Suarez wants to continue playing in one of Europe’s major leagues, although it was believed his preference was to remain in Spain having joined Barcelona after leaving Liverpool in 2014.
It is understood he wants to play at least one more season at the top level, especially with the World Cup being at the end of this year in Qatar.
Suarez said an emotional farewell to Atletico fans this month, having fallen out of favour under coach Diego Simeone despite playing a key role in them winning the league the previous season.
It is understood that Villa are exploring the possibility of bringing the Uruguay international back to the Premier League as part of a huge summer upheaval.
Villa will not only have to weigh
up Suarez’s wage demands but whether, given his age, he will be able to cope with the physical demands of Premier League football.
Gerrard has remained in touch with Suarez and even received a glowing reference from his former team-mate when he inquired about signing Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in the January transfer window. In the end, Bentancur signed for Tottenham Hotspur.
Villa have already moved quickly to improve their squad. As well as Coutinho, centre-half Diego Carlos – who Newcastle United tried to secure in January – is arriving for £26 million from Sevilla, and midfielder Boubacar Kamara has been signed from Marseille on a five-year deal after allowing his contract to run down.
The club had shown an interest in Burnley defender James Tarkowski, who is out of contract this summer, but a deal is now unlikely to happen. Everton are believed to have moved ahead in that race.
Villa will also expect to move on at least six players to free up finances and room in the squad as Gerrard stamps his imprint on the team after finishing 14th in the Premier League.