Aston Villa target Liverpool's Joe Gomez for transfer this summer

Liverpool’s longest serving player, Joe Gomez, is now the subject of interest from Premier League side Aston Villa.

The defender has been involved in a number of transfer stories this summer and was reportedly left ‘perturbed’ after being involved in a deal that would have seen him head to Newcastle and Anthony Gordon head the other way.

Now Aston Villa have earmarked the 15-cap England international as a potential replacement should Diego Carlos leave the club according to The Telegraph.

Gomez played 51 times for Liverpool last season and is able to deploy right across the back line when needed but this hasn’t stopped reports that Liverpool are looking to sign defensive reinforcements both at centre half, where Gomez has been used the most throughout his career, and at left back, where Gomez played frequently in the last campaign.

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Why might Gomez want to leave?

With defensive reinforcements looking likely, and last campaign’s emergence of Jarell Quansah as a genuine first-team option, Gomez could be looking at reduced minutes if he remains at Anfield this season.

Gomez was selected for the England squad to take part in the Euros this summer, but he did not play a single minute at the tournament and, at 27-years-old, he probably needs to earn himself a place in his club’s starting XI if he wants to properly break into the England set up.

This, on top of reports that Gomez was unsettled after being included in the Gordon deal, may mean that the Charlton academy product is now ready to move on after almost a decade in Merseyside.

What’s next for Liverpool?

Liverpool have already been linked with moves for a number of top-level defenders throughout the summer, but their focus currently seems to be on the signing of Martín Zubimendi to reinforce the defensive midfield rather than the back line.

Sepp van den Berg is also yet to depart the Reds and although a deal seems likely it is not guaranteed.

Although Gomez has attracted interest from a number of clubs, he appears committed to remaining at Liverpool if they want to keep him and isn’t likely to try and force a move away.

Unless Villa or another team come in with an offer Liverpool simply can’t turn down, Joe Gomez may be set to remain in Merseyside for another year.