Aston Villa could make a 'surprise' striker signing before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece.

The lowdown: Summer so far

The Villans have already been busy in the transfer market as ownership group NSWE continues to back Steven Gerrard - who himself made the bold decision to replace Tyrone Mings with John McGinn as club captain this week - with multiple signings.

So far, Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Ludwig Augustinsson, Robin Olsen and Boubacar Kamara have been added to the Villa Park ranks, whilst Matt Targett, Trezeguet, Conor Hourihane,  Lovre Kalinic and Wesley all departed the senior squad whether it be on loan or on a permanent basis.

However, the exit of Wesley on loan to Levante has left Gerrard with only Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at his disposal as experienced senior centre-forward options, leading to speculation as to whether there will be an attempt to bring in another signing to the Midlands club...

The latest: Preece predicts a 'surprise'

Responded to questions from supporters for a Q&A on Birmingham Mail, Villa correspondent Preece was asked whether there was any movement on a possible incoming frontman.

He replied: “No. It could well be a Lange-esque surprise a little later in the window, though.”

The verdict: Options out there

Having already been active in the window, there has also been no shortage of potential options for Johan Lange as the likes of Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas, now Southampton gem Sekou Mara and Lille sensation Jonathan David have all been linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Even former Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez had been indexed to the club prior to completing a move to Uruguayan outfit Nacional this week, suggesting that Gerrard has been attentive to the possibility of adding more firepower to the ranks at Bodymoor Heath.

Despite the impressive loan spell enjoyed by Keinan Davis at Nottingham Forest and the promise of highly rated Cameron Archer, going into the 2022/23 campaign with just Watkins and a previously injury-prone Ings as the Premier League proven operators would undoubtedly represent a major risk.

Lange has already pulled off some major coups out of the blue in this time as technical director in the Midlands, none more so than the under-the-radar capture of Ings himself, and therefore many will be hoping Preece's premonition becomes a reality and another central striking option is indeed forthcoming before the September 1 deadline.