Aston Villa must finally sign Rangers star Joe Aribo amid Ashley Preece's recent transfer claim involving new boss Steven Gerrard.

What's the story?

Following Gerrard's appointment as the club's new manager, it's been no surprise that conversation has focused on who he could potentially lure away from Ibrox over the upcoming transfer windows.

And, according to The Birmingham Mail's Preece, along with the likes of Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo could be someone who emerges as a target once again.

He said: " Yeah, (Kamara) is the one that appears most-likely from Gerrard's Rangers links. We'll see what materialises. Aribo, or the left-footed Yaya Toure as he's been labelled by close pal Konsa, has been on Villa's radar before like you say. Can he cut it in the Premier League, that's the question... Kamara most-likely out of them but Gerrard will have his own players he likes knowing Villa's budget blows Rangers' out of the water. Intrigued to see how Gerrard will work with Johan Lange. Ross Wilson was Gerrard's sporting director at Gers."

Gerrard loves him

Having initially signed him for Rangers from Charlton, Gerrard has been very vocal in his praise of the midfielder, even going so far as to saying that he hoped he would be able to manage him for a long time.

Speaking after a particularly impressive performance against East Fife, Gerrard said of Aribo: "I am not sure how many good players have been at this stadium, but I don't think you will see many better than Joe. Top players turn up anywhere, it doesn't matter if it is in front of 50,000, or 1500, your standards are always the same and from day one Joe has done that. He was outstanding from start to finish.

"He can go as far as he wants. I hope he stays alongside me for many years, but he's got the world at his feet."

The 25-year-old Aribo ended up playing 112 times for Gerrard's Rangers in his time north of the border, scoring 20 goals and providing another 18 assists as he embraced a real box-to-box role at Ibrox.

Given how well the Villa boss will know the midfielder, he would surely be able to hit the ground running at Villa and understand what he wants from him.

The 6 foot 2 Aribo's arrival at Villa Park would surely leave Gerrard buzzing.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has revealed what Steven Gerrard has already "transformed" at Villa Park...