Italian football expert Conor Clancy has shared his verdict on reported Aston Villa target Stefan de Vrij.

What's the word?

Speaking to the GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider insisted that the Dutchman would be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, amid reports that he is on Steven Gerrard's radar this summer.

Asked about that possible interest in the 30-year-old, Clancy went as far as to suggest he could even be the club's new skipper: "I think de Vrij would be a hugely important player immediately.

“He is the type of player that could come in and just be given the captain’s armband straight away.”

The Inter Milan centre-back could reportedly be available to NSWE for as little as £15m with just a year remaining on his existing deal, although it remains to be seen if the Midlands side will eye another defensive recruit, having confirmed an agreement for Sevilla's Diego Carlos.

Supporters buzzing

Even with that latest news regarding the Brazilian, there have been reports that NSWE could look to cash in on both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in the upcoming window, opening up the possibility that a further acquisition will be made.

Should that figure be De Vrij, it will no doubt go down well with the club's supporters, with - as Clancy alluded to - the former Lazio man likely to come in and make a rapid improvement to Gerrard's ailing backline.

The 55-cap international helped his current side claim a first Serie A title in 11 years back in 2021 under the tutelage of Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte, while he was again integral as Simone Inzaghi's men narrowly missed out on a second successive Scudetto to rivals AC Milan in the most recent campaign.

The 2021/22 season saw the £31.5m-rated brute - who has been dubbed a "monster" by former teammate Mauricio - average 1.1 interceptions, 1.3  tackles and 1.7 clearances, as well as losing possession just 4.7 times per game from his 30 league outings.

The aforementioned Mings - who is Villa's current skipper - has squandered possession almost double that of the £116k-per-week star, giving away the ball 10.3 times per game, while also averaging just 0.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in his 36 league appearances.

As pundit Danny Mills suggested, a "top-quality" addition is needed to replace the Englishman, with De Vrij seemingly the man slot straight into the heart of the defence as well as take on the captain's armband.

Seeing an experienced head like the latter leading the side out at the start of next term would no doubt go down a treat with the Villa Park faithful, who will be desperate to see an improvement on the recent 14th-place finish.

Possibly paired alongside Carlos too, Gerrard may well just have one of the most dominating and commanding centre-back pairings in the whole division.

Just imagine that, Villa supporters. It would certainly be a sight to behold.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC's next Southgate with move for "outstanding" £120k-p/w warrior