Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard believes the club needs to upgrade its spine over the summer.

The Birmingham-based outfit have enjoyed a stable season, despite changing managers midway through the campaign.

Gerrard ensured there was no fight against relegation, but is aware that to make the step up to challenging for European places, they need better players.

"I think we are further ahead here than we were at Rangers," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"But it does take time, it takes windows, it is a patient process. It is not just going to change overnight. But I think we have got the ingredients here to become a really strong team in this league."

He added: "There are areas of the team where we are blessed and lucky to have some top talent but there are also areas where we believe we can get stronger and better.

"I think the spine of the team needs some support.

"We have got enough volume here. We have got enough bodies here. I don't need quantity. I am looking for upgrades in certain areas of the team, who will naturally make the squad better."