The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has delivered the latest on Aston Villa's plans for the January transfer window.

What's the story?

With Steven Gerrard now at the helm at Villa Park, the upcoming transfer window throws up some exciting possibilities for what the new Villa boss could potentially do.

And now, during a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece has confirmed his expectation that the Midlands club will be busy in the transfer market and intimated the kind of areas they might look to strengthen.

He said: "I do expect Villa to be active, 100 per cent. There will be a few sent out for some game time and quality will be added providing Lange can help get deals over the line. It's a tough market but Gerrard has a huge pull now. Villa will lose Nakamba for 3/4 weeks, likewise if Traore and Trez are passed fit for Egypt and Burkina Faso.

"A left-back will be priority, as will a defensive midfielder and, possibly, a winger. Gerrard still assessing the likes of El Ghazi etc, while likes of Philogene-Bidace and others will be loaned out. Quality will be Villa's priority in January."

Villa fans will be excited

Given Gerrard only took over from Dean Smith last month, it's no surprise that the new Villa manager is intent on making some big signings in the January transfer window and putting his first touches on this squad.

As Preece alluded to, simply the name of Gerrard will make Villa an even more attractive and exciting option than they already were, and he could prove to be the difference-maker in terms of a lure.

With the club also facing issues with injuries - particularly to Danny Ings and Leon Bailey - and AFCON, the need for new players is perhaps even more pressing for Villa than most other sides around the league, so getting those new faces in early will be crucial to ensuring that they don't slip behind.

Preece's update is sure to have Villa fans very excited about what could happen next month.

Meanwhile, Gerrard must finally unleash this star...