Journalist Ryan Taylor has said that Aston Villa are 'prioritising other areas' above centre-back amid links to Burnley's Nathan Collins. 

The lowdown

talkSPORT's Alex Crook reported midway through June that Villa are one of the Premier League clubs 'monitoring' the Republic of Ireland international. Burnley paid £12.6million to sign Collins from Stoke City last summer, but they then went on to suffer relegation to the Championship.

Villa have already signed one centre-half this summer, bringing in Diego Carlos from Sevilla for a fee of £26m. They've also sealed permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho (£17m), Robin Olsen (£3m) and Boubacar Kamara (free transfer).

The latter is predominantly a defensive midfielder but he can also operate as a centre-back.

The latest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor suggested that Gerrard had more pressing concerns to address at this moment in time.

However, he doesn't rule out Collins getting a move to Villa, or indeed another of his top-flight suitors.

The journalist claimed: "I think Villa are prioritising other areas. But I do think there's Premier League interest in Collins, who finished the season really strongly."

The verdict

What are the current priorities for Gerrard and Villa?

The Athletic's Gregg Evans reported prior to the capture of Carlos that the 42-year-old wanted a centre-back, a left-back and potentially another forward.

The Villa boss secured reinforcements in the heart of defence, and perhaps any further investment in that area will depend upon players leaving.

Still, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see Collins playing Premier League football once again next season.

This is someone who could go on to become a 'top, top player', in the words of Ireland under-21 coach Jim Crawford, who added that the 21-year-old already shown himself to be a 'leader'.