Sources: Steven Gerrard tells Aston Villa to accept Bertrand Traore offer
Steven Gerrard has told Aston Villa to accept a permanent offer for Bertrand Traore in January, sources have told Football Insider.
The winger has reignited his career at Turkish club Basaksehir after joining on a season-long loan.
It is believed Gerrard does not see a future at Villa for Traore, 27, and would be keen to let him go for good in January.
Should his loan be terminated and a permanent deal agreed upon, it would free up some cash for potential new signings in the winter window.
Football Insider broke the news soon after Gerrard’s arrival at Villa that he was unimpressed by Traore and felt he had inherited a bloated squad with too many mediocre attacking players.
The wide man was barely used under Gerrard before being loaned out for the campaign to Turkey.
His Villa contract runs until the summer of 2024.
The Burkina Faso international has made nine appearances for Basaksehir this term, scoring two goals - including one in the Europa Conference League.
Traore joined Aston Villa from Lyon in 2020 for a reported £17million and registered seven goals and seven assists in his first Premier League season.
His contributions helped the Midlands club maintain their top-flight status in the Covid-hit campaign, but they weren't enough to ensure his place in the subsequent 2021-22 season.
Traore may be handed a reprieve if Gerrard is to be removed from his post at Villa Park.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (13 October) that Aston Villa are weighing up the 42-year-old's future after supporters once again chanted for his dismissal after Monday’s (10 October) 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
The Midlands giants sit 16th in the Premier League.