Sources: Aston Villa in the market for defender to replace Tyrone Mings
Aston Villa are keen on signing a new defender to replace Tyrone Mings, Football Insider understands.
Steven Gerrard wants a total overhaul of the Villa squad he has inherited and reshaping the defence is a priority.
A Villa source has told Football Insider that one position among the many where Gerrard wants an upgrade is the left of the centre-back roles.
That has been filled in the past three-and-a-half seasons by Mings, who has been an untouchable first choice.
But the club captain has not completely convinced Gerrard even though he has started all but one match since he took over as manager.
Mings has just over two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park.
The centre-back has gone from strength to strength since joining the Midlands club in January 2019.
His form has helped him break into the England set-up and Villa re-establish themselves as a Premier League side.
This season Mings has contributed one goal and three assists in 29 Premier League appearances.
Speaking to the Guardian (8 February), the England international revealed he is loving life under the "absolutely brilliant" Steven Gerrard.
Mings was dropped by previous manager Dean Smith after a torrid run of form in October.
Gerrard's appointment appeared to be good news for Mings as he re-established himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet at Villa Park.
However, his future status is now in question ahead of the summer transfer window.