Aston Villa could make a "huge statement" by making a move for PSG star Georginio Wijnaldum amid recent reports linking them with the midfielder.

What's the story?

According to 90min, Steven Gerrard's side are among a number of Premier League clubs to whom the Netherlands international has been offered, and it's been suggested that Villa have not yet dismissed the idea.

And now, in response to those suggestions, The Express and Star's Luke Hatfield has thrown his backing behind a potential Villa move for the Dutchman.

He said: "That would be a huge statement signing, for sure. Obviously, it hasn't really worked for him at PSG since leaving Liverpool but he's someone who has got boundless quality and energy in midfield."

Gerrard's pull

One of the big things and advantages that Gerrard's arrival as manager brought to the table, was his so-called pull. As a Liverpool icon and recognisable figure around the world, the new Villa boss would surely have that extra bit of persuasion when it came to convincing potential transfer targets compared to his predecessor Dean Smith.

And in Wijnaldum, someone who's lifted the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool before making the switch to European giants PSG, Gerrard could really show off his credentials by luring him to Villa Park.

The Dutchman played 217 times in the Premier League, scoring 27 goals and providing 16 assists, and came up with some big contributions in the big games - you only have to look at his two goals against Barcelona in Liverpool's Champions League semi-final comeback in 2019 to see that.

Former Liverpool ace Ryan Babel has previously raved about the £27m-rated Wijnaldum, saying: "I have no words for Gini's performances and quality. He's an incredible person. His energy is incredible, he has lungs for days. You can tell when he has the confidence, he's really unbeatable and very hard to play against."

At 31, Wijnaldum is hardly going to be the future of Villa, but if the club are looking for someone to potentially hit the ground running and really give them a shot in the arm for the second-half of the season, then he certainly fits that bill to a tee with both his quality and Premier League experience.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have made this man their top target for January...