Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has made an 'incredible' claim regarding Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Villa closing in?
Steven Gerrard and NSWE have been hard at work in the transfer market over the last seven days, putting a number of deals in place ahead of the summer window.
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Villa have secured permanent deals for Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara and have also reached an agreement for centre-back Diego Carlos.
Another defender could be on the way, with The Times suggesting that Villa are also closing in on a move for Rangers star Bassey.
The Latest: Hutton’s comments
Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about Bassey and Villa. He labelled a Villa swoop is a ‘no-brainer’ and waxed lyrical regarding the defender, describing him as ‘outstanding’ in the Europa League final and backed him to be an ‘incredible player’.
“He was outstanding in the Europa League final, and he carried that on in the Scottish Cup too.
“He’s growing in stature game-on-game. It doesn’t matter where he plays, centre-back or left-back – he gives you an unbelievable presence.
“He’s got such versatility – and that’s an attribute Villa will value so highly. For him to be putting in these kinds of performances at his age, and showing his capability at the highest level – it’s a no-brainer for someone like Villa to come in.
“If he can maintain that level and that consistency week-in, week-out – then wow, he could be an incredible player.”
The Verdict: Get it done
Bassey enjoyed a phenomenal season at Ibrox, making 49 appearances in all competitions. He turned out at centre-back and left-back, picking up the club’s Young Player of the Season award.
The Nigerian impressed many when it mattered most in cup finals against Frankfurt and Hearts, so a move to Villa Park could be a shrewd one.
The 22-year-old would provide Gerrard with another option at centre-back and cover for Lucas Digne at left-back, and you’d like to think he’ll only get better over the coming years.
In other news: Blow for NSWE: Villa will now miss out on key target after talks; Gerrard was desperate for him