Aston Villa transfer news: Calvin Bassey on the radar after Steven Gerrard misses out on two targets

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is planning a raid on his former club Rangers to sign defender Calvin Bassey, reports have claimed.

Gerrard’s recruitment drive for next season has already started. Philippe Coutinho is in the bag after a permanent deal was completed on Thursday. And now the Villa boss can turn to strengthening other areas of his squad.

Bringing in at least one new defender is on Gerrard’s to-do list. The Villa boss is keen to sign a new central defender but is not having much luck so far. He has already missed out on a couple of top targets.

Jeremiah St. Juste was high on his wanted list but the Mainz defender has slipped through the net. The speedy defender has this week agreed to join Sporting. He knocked back interest from Villa, Leicester and West Ham.

In another setback Villa have also missed out on Matthias Ginter. Again Gerrard was tracking the Borussia Monchengladbach star but he has opted to stay in Germany. Bundesliga outfit Freiburg have won the race.

The search goes on and Gerrard could now turn his attention to Ibrox. Gerrard knows Bassey well having signed him for Rangers in 2020.

The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at Leicester before heading north to Glasgow. The versatile defender has really come in to his own this season. He has been a regular in the Gers side, catching the eye with his performances.

Bassey has also stepped on to the international stage and his stock continues to rise. Rangers will fight to keep hold but know strong interest from Villa could see Bassey return south.

Rangers are in a strong position though. Bassey is under contract for another two seasons and the Gers are under no pressure to sell. And if they do they will be able to demand a big fee. There has been no mention of a figure but he will not come cheap.

Calvin Bassey is a hot young talent

Bassey’s versatility would be a big plus point for Villa boss Gerrard. He can play in central defence and left-back, two areas that Gerrard is keen to strengthen.

Having signed him for Rangers, Gerrard will know if Bassey has what it takes to step up. At 22 he has plenty of time on his side and could be a star for many years to come. Much could depend on the price-tag Rangers put on his head.

The signing could represent something of a gamble but Villa fans would have to trust Gerrard’s judgement.

READ MORE: Gerrard lauds ‘incredible’ Villa strategy as Coutinho signs permanent deal and fee revealed