Reported Aston Villa target Memphis Depay is available this summer according to widespread reports and Ashley Preece.

What's the word?

As per Villa correspondent Ashley Preece - in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail - the Dutchman is on the market this summer amid Steven Gerrard's desire to land a new forward.

That said, asked if there was any truth to the online speculation linking the 28-year-old with a move to Villa Park, the respected source stated: "I’ve had nothing on those Depay links, nor have my colleagues. I’d be really surprised if Villa were to make a move. Player is available, as we know, Spurs have been linked as well. I just can’t see that happening from a Villa point of view, as things stand."

As Preece alluded to, the former Lyon man - who only arrived at the Camp Nou last year on a free transfer - is seemingly up for sale this summer, amid reports that he is even set to see his number nine shirt relinquished following the arrival of Poland hotshot, Robert Lewandowski.

Time to act

Although the situation could well change as the window closes, it doesn't appear at present that Depay is in line to join the Villans, with supporters set to be gutted at not being able to see the £31.5m-rated man in a claret and blue jersey this season.

However, that's precisely why the decision makers at Villa Park need to act now and as Preece says, spring a "surprise" to bring him to the club. Despite his frustrating situation in Catalonia, the one-time Manchester United man still boasts a respectable record for the La Liga side, having scored 13 goals and provided two assists in 37 games for the club thus far.

That tally includes 12 goals from just 28 league appearances last season - only 20 of which came from the start - with the 80-cap international also averaging an impressive 1.6 key passes per game and creating five big chances.

Prior to joining to La Blaugrana, the £158k-per-week menace had also been in explosive form in France, scoring 76 goals and providing 55 assists in 178 games at Parc Olympique Lyonnais after rejuvenating his career following a difficult stint at Old Trafford.

Almost a sure thing when it comes to providing goals and assists, the 5 foot 9 superstar - who ranks joint-second in the all-time scoring charts for Oranje - would seemingly solve Villa's attacking woes, with the club's top scorer last term having been that of Ollie Watkins with just 11 goals in all competitions.

An enigmatic and charismatic figure, Depay is the type of character and type of player who can light up a stadium, with it time for Johan Lange and co to make a late dash to sign the Netherlands international in the remaining weeks of the window.