Aston Villa are reportedly willing to cash in on both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider suggested that the defensive duo could be moved on at the end of the season by manager Steven Gerrard, as the former Rangers man looks to put his stamp on the current squad.

Making comments on the centre-back pair's future, Jones stated that: "They both could leave. I think that that’s plausible. And it’s not impossible that they could find two replacements at a decent value. Mings and Konsa, for where Steven Gerrard is heading with this side, I think it’s plausible that they would be open to offers for both players.”

That brutal assessment comes amid reports that Mings, in particular, is facing an uncertain future at the club, with Gerrard believed to be scouting a new left-sided centre-back.

Supporters buzzing

That news may come as both a shock but also a welcome relief to the Villa faithful, with the club's backline having distinctly underwhelmed this season, hence the need for top-class replacements.

The Midlands side currently have the tenth-worst defensive record in the division having shipped 46 goals so far this season, notably succumbing to a brutal 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur a few weeks ago.

For many, current captain Mings has been a key part of the problem, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there seems to be "a mistake in his game somewhere", with the former Leeds United man "not convinced" that the 29-year-old is an elite-level defender.

That viewpoint has seemingly been rubberstamped by his form this season, with the 17-cap international ranking in just the top 48% for aerial duels won among players in his position across Europe's top five leagues - a damning statistic for a man of his size and stature - while he's also only in the top 80% for tackles made.

As for his teammate, the former Brentford man has fared little better at Villa Park this term, registering just 0.5 interceptions and 0.9 tackles per game in his 26 Premier League outings, while he's also been sent off twice thus far, proving himself something of a liability.

While the £22.5m-rated man had been tipped for a senior England call-up last year after impressing under Dean Smith, his form has tailed off dramatically this term, with pundit Alan Hutton insisting that the club are in desperate of new recruits in defence, as "it's not been good enough" of late.

With rumours swirling of a potential move for Liverpool gem Joe Gomez, among others, it would seem that there will be a few heads on the chopping block this summer. There may not be too many tears shed if two of those casualties prove to be Mings and Konsa.

IN other news, "Destined for a move": Journo drops exciting AVFC transfer claim, Gerrard will love it...