Although Roberto Firmino has been one of Liverpool's most important players over the last few years, it has been a different story so far this campaign.

The stunning form of Diogo Jota has reduced the 30-year-old Brazilian forward to a bit-part role for much of this season.

As the days tick down until the start of the January transfer window, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has suggested that Firmino could join Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

"It's only my gut feeling - I think they [Aston Villa] will go for one big Liverpool player, and I wouldn't be surprised if Firmino left and went to Villa," Cascarino said.

"Managers love going back to clubs they've worked with and Danny Ings has not worked for Villa, in my opinion.

"I'm surprised because I really like Danny, I think he's a terrific player, but I don't feel he's worked out.

Cascarino added that Gerrard is looking to bring players of Firmino's calibre to Villa Park.

"Ollie Watkins needs a Firmino-type player to get the best out of him, and I think Gerrard is going to look for that type of player," he said.

"When Gerrard is talking about exciting the Villa fans, they're going big."