Aston Villa: 'Gerrard effect' could now lure £25m star to Villa Park

Aston Villa “seem to be in a good position” to negotiate with Rangers over the services of Calvin Bassey, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Despite the window not officially opening until Friday, Steven Gerrard’s side have already made four signings and are targeting a fifth in Bassey.

Following his successful loan spell, which saw him score five goals and lay on three assists, Villa’s first piece of summer business saw Philippe Coutinho arrive from Barcelona a permanent basis for £17m.

Less than two weeks later, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara joined on a free transfer from the French giants, before Gerrard sealed a major coup in Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, who was heavily linked with Newcastle throughout January, but decided to sign for Villa in a £26m deal.

Villa’s latest signing saw goalkeeper Robin Olsen turn his loan deal into a permanent one despite making just one appearance, which came at Manchester City on the final day, following his switch in January.

And Jones reckons that Gerrard’s charges are well placed to start making their move for Bassey, who’s set to cost around £25m.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think at this stage, Aston Villa seem to be in a good position to negotiate. We’ve already seen Steven Gerrard have a big impact on signings they’ve already got through the door.

“People are speaking very well about him as a person and a manager and Calvin Bassey will be more than aware of what he could bring to his game further so definitely the Gerrard effect could work.”

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There are many reasons that Villa want to bring the young defender to Villa Park, the obvious one being he has played under Gerrard