Aston Villa: 'Gerrard is a fan' of 22 y/o now close to Villa Park move

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard has set his sights on luring Rangers star Calvin Bassey to Villa Park as he ‘is a fan’ of the central defender, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Gerrard has already been busy in the transfer market by tying Philippe Coutinho down a permanent move from Barcelona, ensuring Boubacar Kamara will join following the expiry of his Marseille contract and reaching an agreement with Sevilla for Diego Carlos, but it appears his business is not done there.

According to The Times, Villa are ready to step up their pursuit of Bassey and closing in on a deal which will take him to the Midlands.

The report suggests the two-cap Nigeria international fits the bill when it comes to Gerrard attempting to improve his defensive options and scouts were impressed with Bassey’s performance in the Scottish Cup final last weekend.

Bassey’s arrival at Villa Park would result in a reunion with Gerrard, who left Rangers to take over as the Premier League side’s head coach last November.

It was Gerrard who signed Bassey for the Scottish Premiership giants, with the 22-year-old making the switch from Leicester City.

But Villa are not Bassey’s only suitors as ExWHUemployee has revealed West Ham United, who are among three Premier League clubs to show an interest, have also opened talks with Rangers.

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Bridge understands that Gerrard is an admirer of Bassey and, as a result, could look to tempt the centre-half to Villa.

However, the Sky Sports reporter is unsure as to whether a transfer will go through during the upcoming transfer window.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s always hard to tell when they’re in inferior leagues, but he