Aston Villa's Premier League rivals Liverpool are reportedly ready to make a summer move for Jacob Ramsey, with the young midfielder heavily impressing this season.

What's the story?

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Jurgen Klopp is eyeing the 20-year-old to be the Reds' long-term Georginio Wijnaldum replacement, after the Dutchman left Anfield last summer to join French giants PSG on a free transfer.

The Merseyside outfit lack a recognised attacking midfielder since the 31-year-old's departure, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita suited to playing slightly further from the front three.

However, it is currently unknown as to whether or not Villa, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, would reluctantly allow arguably their brightest prospect to leave in the summer if the right money is offered, particularly to a Premier League rival.

Ramsey has scored five goals and registered one assist in 20 top-flight appearances this term, scoring a clinical brace against Leeds United on Wednesday as he continues to show that he belongs at this level.

Villa must hold on to Ramsey

With the 20-year-old now a regular in Gerrard's side and possessing serious potential, the Midlands club cannot allow one of their top assets to leave, certainly not this summer.

The £15k per-week starlet is contracted at Villa Park until 2025 and his value is only going to increase if he maintains (or even improves upon) his form of recent months.

Although the Englishman made 22 league appearances for the Villans last season, it feels as though this has been the youngster's breakthrough campaign, adding goals to his game and improving his pulsating runs forward from midfield. He has likely been helped by the arrival of Gerrard, who was a world-class midfielder in his playing days.

Wednesday night's 3-3 draw against Leeds could certainly be highlighted as a pivotal game in Ramsey's development, with the midfielder scoring a first-half brace with two clinical finishes.

After the match, Gerrard directed serious praise in the youngster's direction, saying: "I know the level of the England players, I’ve been around it, and have enough experience to know it’s only a matter of time but let’s all be sensible and keep calm about it.

"I want him to make his own headlines with his football. He is a top talent, I’m loving every moment of working with him.

"He is getting stronger with each game because we’re giving him the platform to express himself. He is in a wonderful place.

"It won't be long before the whole country is watching him I'm sure. He is right up there let me tell you."

Naturally, the 20-year-old will want to play in big games and win major honours, something which may be beyond the capabilities of Aston Villa. However, it's important that the midfielder continues to develop at his current pace, with a move to a Champions League club such as Liverpool this summer potentially halting that progress.

Earning regular game-time in the Premier League for his boyhood club whilst learning from one of the division's greatest midfielders, Ramsey certainly isn't in a bad position right now. Gerrard himself must make sure he doesn't allow the starlet to leave Villa Park, or else his current club's fans might never forgive the 41-year-old for flogging one of the Villans' brightest young jewels.

In other news: Huge boost: Aston Villa handed big injury update which will surely have fans relieved