Luis Suarez Has Personally Recommended Steven Gerrard's Next Transfer Target, Gave 'Glowing Reference'

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has been given a glowing reference of Rodrigo Bentancur by former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez.

Villa have made two signings already in January, with Philippe Coutinho arriving on loan from Barcelona and Lucas Digne moving from Everton.

Gerrard's pulling power is clear to see and the Telegraph have claimed next on the agenda is Bentancur.

The club have seen a £25 million bid for Brighton's Yves Bissouma rejected and they're set to shift their focus to the Juventus midfielder.

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Suarez, who plays with Bentancur for the Uruguay national team, reportedly told Gerrard of his qualities in a recent chat.

Bentancur joined Juventus from Boca Juniors in 2017 and has made over 200 appearances for the club.

The 24-year-old is calm and composed on the ball, and can play a number of positions across the midfield.

It remains to be seen if he'd fancy a move to Villa Park, but Gerrard has already improved a number of players since replacing Dean Smith in November.

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Douglas Luiz and John McGinn have gone up another level in recent weeks while Jacob Ramsey's star continues to rise.

Ramsey had started to feature under Smith, but he's been a key player under Gerrard and even scored in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United earlier this month.

Perhaps the most audacious transfer rumour of the month, however, involves Suarez linking up with Gerrard in the west Midlands.

Suarez played with Gerrard for three years at Anfield before joining Barcelona in 2014.

The Atletico Madrid striker's current contract expires at the end of the season and he's had offers from

Palmeiras, Corinthians and Atletico Mineiro.

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According to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, the 34-year-old has ruled out the offers from South America to focus on a move to Villa.

Villa signed Danny Ings from Southampton in the summer and have attempted to play him up front with Ollie Watkins.

The pair don't seem to gel however and the addition of Suarez would bolster their attack.

Villa defeated Everton 1-0 on Saturday to move up to 11th heading into the international break.