Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Aston Villa’s interest in Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, GiveMeSport report.

Villa appear to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, with the futures of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings up in the air.

Nelsson has been just one centre-back who has been linked with a move to the Midlands, with reports suggesting Villa are ready to make a ‘serious offer’.

The 6-foot colossus has a €25m (£21m) release clause in his Galatasaray deal and has gone from strength to strength in Turkey this season, with his Transfermarkt valuation increasing from £3.15m to £9m.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones, talking to GMS, had this to say on Nelsson, admitting the centre-back is ‘definitely of interest’ to Villa chiefs and urged the club to be ‘smarter’ in the transfer window.

“Victor Nelsson is somebody that is definitely of interest. It’s probably good that they’re looking for players a bit different to all the other names you see linked to all the big clubs.

“Villa have got to be a little bit smarter about their recruitment this summer because they don’t want to get in price wars with some of the other big clubs in the Premier League as you just end up paying over the odds.

“That’s not really a situation they want to be in even though they have got a lot of money.”

The Verdict: Smart move?

Villa could be in for a busy summer ahead of Gerrard’s first full season when it comes to incomings and outgoings, and club officials will know all about the Denmark international.

The 23-year-old was the subject of a £9m bid from Villa back in 2020, so fellow countryman Johan Lange could have been the one to bring him to Gerrard’s attention recently.

It looks as if another offer could be a shrewd move following his impressive form in Turkey, and he may not be the only centre-back to arrive ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

In other news: Villa now edging closer to summer move for 'clinical' ace as Gerrard gets his way.