Aston Villa could sign a new striker late in the transfer window...

What's the word?

That's according to Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece, who has backed sporting director Johan Lange to spring a late surprise this summer.

When asked if a move for a new forward was close in a recent online Q&A with supporters, the reporter said:

"Nope; could be a Lange-esque surprise a little later in the window."

Lange's late masterclass

Whilst it remains to be seen exactly who the Villans could sign as their new striker to rival the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, it is certainly encouraging to see a reliable source tip a move happening.

We know that Lange likes to operate in a very subtle way - for example, Ings' switch to Villa Park from Premier League rivals Southampton came completely out of the blue last summer, and to an extent, he nipped in under the radar to seal Diego Carlos in this very window.

Having already signed five players this off-season, Gerrard is still light on options and it's widely thought that a new striker is amongst the priorities.

Lille frontman Jonathan David, former Everton flop Moise Kean and even the manager's former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez have all been linked to the club at some point this summer.

Last season, Villa struggled in front of goal as only one player managed to get into double figures - Watkins (11 goals). Ings followed closely behind on seven goals, with Jacob Ramsey ending the 2021/22 campaign on six goals, as per WhoScored.

Throughout pre-season, the striking duo have looked a little lacklustre in front of goal, leading to some fears amongst the Villa Park faithful.

Lange must be working on deals behind the scenes, so Preece's backing is surely going to leave supporters delighted and if he does deliver, then Gerrard will be absolutely thrilled, too.

This is something to watch heading into the final five weeks of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Gerrard could seal "great talent" with late Aston Villa swoop for £49k-p/w target...