Alfredo Morelos' role to play in double Aston Villa transfer amid Rangers U-turn

Aston Villa and Rangers could renew contact this summer window, seven months after Steven Gerrard left Ibrox.

Rangers defender Calvin Bassey is thought to be a target for Villa this summer, but at £25million Gerrard could pursue cheaper alternatives as he searches for back-up for Lucas Digne. Menawhile, Gers are reportedly one of 14 clubs who are interested in signing Cameron Archer this summer.

However, there are lots of moving parts involved in both deals. In Villa's chase for Bassey, the Daily Record claim that Rangers might feel the time is right to sell off 29-year-old left-back Borna Barisic, who fell below the standards he set during the club's 2020/21 title-winning campaign.

Turkish side Trabzonspor are said to be interested in a move for Barisic, and if Rangers can negotiate a sale on their terms, it would leave Villa in a tricky position to secure Bassey's signature, with the Scottish giants then needing to buy two left-backs this summer.

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Though, Villa could sweeten a deal by giving Rangers the opportunity to sign striker Archer, that is of course if Gerrard doesn't deem the forward ready for Premier League football. The 20-year-old will be assessed this pre-season after he netted seven goals in 20 games for Preston during the second half of last season.

Archer's impressive loan switch to Deepdale came after he scored six goals in four EFL Trophy games against League One opposition, while he ended the season scoring four goals in three matches for England Under-21s. If Archer is allowed to leave the club this summer, be it on loan or permanently, Rangers' interest could only pique if Alfredo Morelos moves on after five years