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Stars fighting for their futures as Gerrard plans huge clearout

@neil_moxley

STEVEN GERRARD is planning a huge shake-up at Aston Villa this summer.

The former England international has seen enough from the squad he inherited from Dean Smith, and has decided to upgrade.

Gerrard is prepared to listen to offers for some surprising names as he looks to put his stamp firmly on the club.

He will be given backing this summer – but will be looking to generate as much money as he can to finance his ambitious plans.

Top of his list is a new centre-half and commanding midfielder. Finding a genuine A-list striker is another priority.

He will test Liverpool’s resolve to keep hold of centre-back Joe Gomez, and Brighton can expect renewed interest in midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Those are his top two targets and he is prepared to pay for a spearhead forward if he can find one to fit the bill.

The future of Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho is also being discussed – but the £425,000-a-week wages enjoyed by the little Brazilian at the Camp Nou are way in excess of Villa’s structure.

Newcastle have long been liked with the former Liverpool playmaker, who arrived with a bang at Villa Park but whose form has tailed off during recent weeks.

Armed with the cash from their Saudi owners, the Geordies could make a play for Coutinho if Toon boss Eddie Howe wants a marquee signing to parade before St James’ Park next season.

That leaves Gerrard with an even bigger job on his hands. He was brought in to challenge for the European spots – and from what he has seen so far he believes the club needs a reset.

He has blooded several players in the past few weeks who have been on the fringes, to see if they figure in his plans.

But it is clear from his reaction to the derby defeat at Wolves last week he was left distinctly unimpressed by what he witnessed.

This week, full-back Matty Cash agreed a new long-term deal and several others such as keeper Emi Martinez, midfielder John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey are under no threat – neither is England international Ollie Watkins.

But the positions of both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa are under scrutiny – as is one-time Arsenal target Douglas Luiz – and a glut of fringe players will be allowed to leave. They include Anwar El Ghazi, Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet.

Surprisingly, if Villa receive bids for midfielder Morgan Sanson and Leon Bailey, they too will be considered.

And striker Danny Ings is another who could find himself surplus. The possibility of a swap deal with Brighton – who have struggled chronically for goals this term – with Bissouma coming in the other direction has not been ruled out.

Villa landed a windfall 12 months ago when they sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in a deal valued at £100million. They bought Emi Buendia from Norwich for £40m, Ings from Southampton for £30m and Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m.

But none of those has really proved value for money – and Gerrard knows that if he is to thrust Villa among the big boys he must improve the quality.

this summer