Aston Villa in pursuit of Liverpool as 'three quality' transfers mooted

Aston Villa can push on next season and close the gap on Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City by being smart in the summer transfer window, according to Don Goodman.

The Villans are on the verge of securing fourth place and a spot in the Champions League for the first time since it's evolution from the European Cup next season in what has been a remarkable campaign.

After Monday's thrilling 3-3 draw at Villa Park, Villa are 11 points behind third-placed Liverpool with a game to go.

Unai Emery has some key players set to return from injury in the coming weeks and months to strengthen his squad, but Goodman believes two or three new faces must ideally be brought in.

"We've seen over the years in the Premier League that if you stand still, ultimately you go backwards," he told Villa News. "Everyone else will be looking to buy players to improve, so I don't really see why Aston Villa wouldn't follow that route.

"Obviously Financial Fair Play rules allowing, but Unai Emery is a seasoned pro and he will know exactly what he wants.

"He knows the qualities that Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have got, and what he needs to do if he is to, not necessarily compete with those, but to possibly close the gap a little bit. I do think they should look to bring in two or three quality players in the summer."

Aston Villa set for exciting summer transfer window

Aston Villa's strongest XI this season is as strong as it has ever been, but that is not to say one or two players cannot be upgraded on.

If the Villans are to be competitive in the Champions League and remain in the upper reaches of the Premier League, new signings are needed.

And the beauty of qualifying for UEFA's primary club competition is that Villa will have higher-calibre players willing to sign - or least you would hope so.

FFP rules must be abided by, of course, and there have been fears raised that a player may first have to be sold for another to come in.

The summer transfer window will certainly be exciting, though, and hopefully the club can build on what has been a superb season.

In other Aston Villa news, Goodman has shared his verdict on Jhon Duran amid recent transfer links with Chelsea.

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