Aston Villa are ready to splash out big to land Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Telegraph says Phillips has emerged as Steven Gerrard's No 1 target to bring to Villa Park ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Three years after the club last tried to prise him away from Elland Road, it is believed Villa will make another move for the Leeds and England star in the summer window.

A new defensive midfielder is a priority for them, as there remains a big gap between defence and attack because of the offensive qualities of John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey in midfield.

Villa have been crying out for a midfield anchor ever since they returned to the top flight in 2019, but former boss Dean Smith's attempts to sign Phillips proved unsuccessful.

Gerrard is equally keen to add a midfielder capable of 'screening' in front of his back four this summer, and £60m-rated Phillips meets the criteria for the type of player he is looking for.