Aston Villa have reportedly failed with a £20.5m bid for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
While Steven Gerrard has already been busy during the January transfer window, the recently-appointed boss is seemingly keen to sign a fresh face for the middle of the pitch.
Bentancur has allegedly been identified as the club's top target at a time when Juventus are prepared to consider offers for a number of players.
According to Sky Italia, the Serie A giants have rejected a proposal of £16.5m up-front with a further £4m in add-ons.
However, the report adds that Juventus will entertain a sale if Villa change their bid to a straight £21m fee.
Juve are said to be insistent on that figure due to being required to pay a portion of any transfer fee to Bentancur's former club Boca Juniors.
The 24-year-old has made 18 starts and six substitute appearances in Italy's top flight and the Champions League this season.
