Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard drops huge Lucas Digne hint – ‘No smoke without fire’

Manchester United v Aston Villa: Pictures

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Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard addressed his side’s transfer links with Everton wantaway Lucas Digne by dropping a huge hint after their Manchester United clash. Villa fans were given just what they wanted after the final whistle, despite the disappointment of defeat, when Gerrard strongly suggested that a move was in the pipeline. 

Villa put up quite a fight at Old Trafford on Monday evening, even if they did not come away with the win. 

Scott McTominay’s early header proved the difference in a 1-0 victory for the home side, but Gerrard’s visitors pushed the Red Devils all the way. 

Ollie Watkins rattled the crossbar and Danny Ings saw a goal ruled out after a lengthy VAR consulation in a tie which saw the West Midlands outfit enjoy plenty of the ball. 

But ultimately, the visiting fans were left frustrated as United held on to set up an FA Cup fourth round date with Middlesbrough. 

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Villa and United are set to face off in the Premier League on Saturday, by which time Gerrard and co. could have the benefit of new personnel. 

Philippe Coutinho has already been signed on loan in a blockbuster deal from Barcelona, while Villa have also been linked with French left-back Lucas Digne in a deal which could demand a fee of around £25million. 

After the final whistle, a disappointed but encouraged Gerrard elaborated on links that have excited fans over the past few days. 

“We are working hard on targets,” he admitted.

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“It is not respectful to mention any names but there is no smoke without fire and we want to try and improve certain areas of our team and our squad.”

Since Gerrard’s appointment as Villa boss in November, the side have seen a noticeable upturn in form, and the board have clearly responded by backing their new manager in the transfer market. 

Even more promising for fans is that the former Liverpool captain has recognised their on-pitch shortfalls, which could lead to even greater showings over the coming weeks. 

“The lads gave a lot in terms of performance but we need to learn and close the gap from a performance that was nearly good enough,” he added.

“We dominated for large parts but we were not ruthless enough.

“I’ve seen enough tonight in terms of the performance to know that I can get to where I want to get to but we need to learn and learn quickly.

“We need to be more ruthless moving forward, defending crosses we need to be tighter. We cannot be having people with free headers in our six yard box.

“It is quite clear what we need to iron out and we will do it in the short term.”

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