Journalist Ryan Taylor believes Aston Villa will sign Rangers star Calvin Bassey this summer because he's 'highly rated' by Villa chiefs, GiveMeSport report.
The Lowdown: Closing in?
Bassey, who Owen Hargreaves labelled as ‘astonishing’ for his display in the Europa League final, appears to be next on Villa’s transfer radar.
NSWE have already signed Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara on permanent deals while also reaching an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos.
Reports over recent days have suggested that Villa chiefs are now closing in on a move for Bassey, and Taylor has had his say on a possible transfer after Sky Sports called the youngster a 'key' target for Gerrard.
The Latest: Villa love Bassey, 'deal will happen'
Talking to GMS, Taylor said that Bassey is extremely well thought of by those at Villa Park and believes a ‘deal will happen’.
Taylor did add that Carlos’ arrival could possibly change things, however, he described a move for Bassey as a ‘no-brainer’.
“Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.
“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”
The Verdict: Smart…
Bassey appears to be ready for the next step in his career after starring on the European stage and is entering the final two years of his Ibrox contract. Rangers could see this summer as the right time to maximise the defender’s value, should he wish to leave.
You’d expect that agreeing on a fee with the Scottish giants could be the only potential obstacle. Villa already know Bassey’s agency well as they represent Jacob Ramsey, who recently penned a new Villa contract, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if the Nigerian was the club’s fourth major signing.
In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him - transfer insider.