Aston Villa aren't close to a new signing at the moment...

What's the word?

That's according to reliable Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, who delivered a fresh update on the transfer situation at Villa Park this week.

"No movement just yet, outgoings expected first," he told supporters in a recent online Q&A.

The Midlands outfit have made five signings so far during the summer window, though two of these are making loan moves permanent in Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen.

Boubacar Kamara has arrived on a free transfer, whilst Diego Carlos has been the main splash, costing around £26m.

Gutting news for Aston Villa

With less than two weeks until the start of the new Premier League season, this news will come as a big disappointment for many supporters around Villa Park.

It seems as if the Villans hierarchy are no closer to making a sixth summer swoop and this will be concerning as manager Steven Gerrard arguably needs further depth in midfield and on the wings, whilst a new striker is thought to be amongst the priorities.

The former Rangers boss managed to steer the club away from the relegation zone following the departure of Dean Smith, with the side finishing 14th in the standings and ten points clear of the drop zone.

Gerrard will be wanting to see a vast improvement in that, so it's no wonder he has bolstered the playing squad but he still appears to be short of one or two players, particularly as some names have been linked with an exit.

Douglas Luiz has garnered interest from Serie A champions AC Milan and losing him would be a gutting blow, whilst Kortney Hause could be loaned out to the Championship, making the backline a little weaker.

There won't be many supporters happy with Preece's latest update as it seems unlikely that any new player will arrive in time for the opening game of the season, where Villa travel to newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth.

AND in other news, Huge Carney Chukwuemeka update revealed...