Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Jonathan David in recent weeks, though it seems he is not a player on Steven Gerrard's radar...

What's the word?

The Athletic's Gregg Evans recently claimed the Midlands outfit have had eyes on the 22-year-old ever since his time at Gent in the Jupiler Pro League, and also suggested that he would be a player that they would love to sign.

Meanwhile, transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that David was someone who "might come onto the radar" for the Premier League side before the end of the window on September 1st.

However, journalist Ashley Preece of the Birmingham Mail has poured cold water on such claims - speaking in a Q&A with supporters this week, he said:

"Villa haven't gone in for him."

Gutting news

Those six words are enough to leave many supporters around Villa Park absolutely gutted as the Lille star is a hugely exciting talent and one that would add a lot to the current squad.

Gerrard may well be stacked up top, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings his two main options, but David could well be a long-term upgrade considering he's just 22.

The Canada international registered 13 goals and three assists across 37 appearances on Les Dogues' way to the Ligue 1 title in 2021 before continuing that form last season, bagging 19 goals across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

That's certainly a prolific record in one of Europe's top divisions.

The 5 foot 11 talisman wouldn't come cheap as he is currently valued in the region of £42m-£60m by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis.

However, given the fact that he has been lauded as a "phenomenon" by former Gent and Anderlecht boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck, plenty of fans around B6 will surely be left disappointed by Preece's latest update on the matter.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa swoop for "phenomenal" £34m gem, he's the "perfect fit" for Gerrard...