Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez continues to be a player that Aston Villa 'like' ahead of a possible move, according to journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Gomez linked Villa move

The 24-year-old has found himself largely out of favour at Anfield this season, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate all preferred to him in the Premier League.

For that reason, it could be that Gomez leaves Liverpool at the end of the campaign, in order to be a first-choice centre-back elsewhere and secure his place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.

Villa have been the club most strongly linked with a move for the Englishman, as Steven Gerrard looks to make summer reinforcements.

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The Latest: Preece provides update

Responding in a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece claimed that Villa's interest in Gomez is still undoubtedly there:

"It's one Villa like. Gerrard really keen on that but it'll be down to Gomez himself to force a move out of Liverpool this summer. Two years left on his Anfield deal so a decision needs to be made."

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The Verdict: Primary summer target

Gomez is someone who Villa should be looking at as one of their main transfer targets, considering the quality he possesses, having been hailed as 'world-class' by Jurgen Klopp in the past.

Granted, the defender has suffered some serious injuries over the years but he is fit again now and there is no shame in not being able to start regularly for a truly great Liverpool team.

With the World Cup looming, Gomez will be desperate to make Southgate's squad and a switch to Villa Park could aid that, with Gerrard bringing him in as a guaranteed starter who could help improve the defence.

In other news, an exciting Villa transfer claim has emerged. Read more here.