talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has provided an update on Aston Villa's search for a new centre-forward...

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider revealed that Villa boss Steven Gerrard is likely to be in the market for a new striker this summer, having already bolstered other areas of the pitch with five major arrivals thus far in the current window.

Crook stated: “They got a lot of business done early and then it’s gone a bit quiet. They were obviously linked with Luis Suarez. So, I think Gerrard is scouring the market and that would probably have a knock-on effect with Danny Ings.”

As the journalist alluded to, the future of Danny Ings is currently uncertain, amid reports that the Midlands side are 'open to offers' for the Englishman, despite having only signed him on a £25m deal last summer.

With regards to potential incomings, it would appear that Luis Suarez won't be arriving at Villa Park, despite previous links, although Lille's Jonathan David is one name that has been mentioned of late.

Pulses racing

That news will no doubt bring with it a real deal of excitement among the club's supporters, with hope brewing that the Villans can recruit a top-class centre-forward in order to help solve their goalscoring woes.

The most recent campaign saw Ollie Watkins finish as top-scorer with just 11 goals - all of which came in the league - while the aforementioned Ings finished in second place with only seven goals to his name, showcasing the need for a more prolific presence to lead the line.

There are high hopes for academy graduate Cameron Archer following his recent impressive form at England U21 level, the 20-year-old netting four goals in just four games for the Young Lions over the summer, although it remains to be seen whether he will be handed a first-team chance or shipped out on loan.

One highly-rated forward who has already secured a temporary departure from the club is former Barcelona man Louie Barry, the teenager joining MK Dons until the end of the season.

It would appear then that Gerrard is keen to look beyond the academy for a new striking addition, with solving the club's final third woes of paramount importance, having seen his side concede more goals (54) than they scored (52) in the top-flight last term.

Knowing that the 42-year-old is 'scouring the market' for a quality recruit will, however, set pulses racing, with there no doubt a sense of anticipation as to just who could be coming through the door.

A deal for Ings came out of the blue last year, perhaps there will be another surprise swoop before the start of next season...

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez