Steven Gerrard has already raved about 'absolute joy' who Liverpool have been monitoring

Liverpool remain admirers of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, reports suggest.

According to the Telegraph, Villa could be forced to sell their academy product this summer to meet Premier League profit and sustainability rules - despite qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Unai Emery's side are looking to offload defender Diego Carlos, who reportedly earns around £100,000 per week. But if Villa are unable to part ways with those not prominently in Emery's plans, it may force them to sell Ramsey.

The 22-year-old has come through the ranks at Villa Park, making a total of 122 goals and scoring 13 goals. It is said that Liverpool have been keeping tabs on his progress, along with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Ramsey has endured an injury-hit season in 2023-24 and missed the final two months with a toe injury. He was limited to a total of 21 games, netting once. However, in the previous two campaigns, the England under-21 international was a regular for his boyhood club, not featuring in a combined seven Premier League matches.

Ramsey was highly regarded by Steven Gerrard during his stint in charge of Villa. The Liverpool legend was a huge admirer of the youngster and tipped him to make a breakthrough into the England senior squad.

“I know the level of the England players, I’ve been around it, and have enough experience to know it’s only a matter of time, but let’s all be sensible and keep calm about it,” said Gerrard after Ramsey bagged a double in a 3-3 draw against Leeds United in February 2022.

“I want him to make his own headlines with his football. He is a top talent, I’m loving every moment of working with him. He is getting stronger with each game because we’re giving him the platform to express himself. He is in a wonderful place.”

Two months after those comments, Ramsey signed a new long-term deal at Villa - with Gerrard left delighted. “He’s been an absolute joy to coach and be around,” said Gerrard. “There is nothing better than seeing someone who wants to commit to what you are doing. It is big news for the club.

“We still think there is room for him to get better. We still think there are levels he can get to. He needs to remain consistent and keep learning and growing. He is one of our own. Someone we have given a pathway to who has grabbed it with both hands and shown he deserves to be a starter in this team.”

It is reported that the fee that Villa would demand for Ramsey would be too much for Liverpool ahead of this summer’s transfer window, however. New head coach Arne Slot is likely to target a centre-back while it would be a defensive midfielder rather than a No.8. Wataru Endo is the only senior No.6 option in the current squad.