Aston Villa have a record of being particularly active in the transfer market, even before Steven Gerrard was appointed as their manager back in November.

Now that the Villa boss will have his first summer window ahead of him once the season ends, it seems as though the 41-year-old may already have some plans in place regarding one area of his squad he wants to strengthen at Bodymoor Heath.

What's the talk?

According to a recent report from Football Insider's sources, Villa will be looking to bring in a left-sided centre-back during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report also claims that this could put the future of Tyrone Mings into doubt, who they say "has not completely convinced" Gerrard in terms of his capabilities on the pitch.

Thrilling news for fans

Villa originally signed the defender on a loan deal from AFC Bournemouth back in the 2019 January window before securing him on a permanent basis in the following summer.

Overall, the Englishman has gone on to make 121 appearances for the Villans across all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists along the way.

In terms of why the Villa boss may yet to be convinced by Mings, only four other outfield players in the Premier League have made more errors that have led to an opponent's shot this season.

This shows that the 29-year-old has been known to be a bit of a weakness at the back for his team at times.

In fact, 66% of voters in a poll ran by Football FanCast earlier this season claimed that the centre-back is a liability for Villa and could therefore be over the moon to hear that his place in the team could be at risk next season.

While Gerrard's reported efforts to see a new left-sided centre-back enter the frame at Villa could spell the end of the road for Mings, it could have a positive effect and make him step his game up if he knows that his place in the side will be at risk if he doesn't.

With that in mind, the England international will have to make sure he uses the final games of the season to show his manager that he has what it takes to be an important figure in the team for the foreseeable future.

In other news: Source: AVFC’s “difficult" dud could now leave Villa Park, it’s great news for Gerrard