Aston Villa now have two trump cards to seal Calvin Bassey transfer

Aston Villa are now prioritising the signing of a left-sided defender and Rangers star Calvin Bassey is among their top targets.

Italy-born Bassey enjoyed a superb season with Rangers to help them to the Europa League final, which they lost 5-4 on penalties to German club Frankfurt. The 22-year-old broke into the Rangers team as a left-back under Steven Gerrard, but he has thrived in central defence under new Ibrox chief Giovanni van Bronckhurst.

Bassey would provide cover for Villa left-back Lucas Digne and give Gerrard another option at centre-back, in addition to Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers and new signing Diego Carlos. Kortney Hause has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, despite only recently signing a new deal.

Gerrard will be key in any deal to bring Bassey to England having signed him for Rangers in 2020 and played an important role in his development. But Villa might now have another trump card to use in negotiations.

It has been reported that Rangers hold an interest in Villa hot shot Cameron Archer, who has recently returned to the club following a successful loan spell at Preston North End. Championship clubs are queueing up to take Archer on loan next season and Rangers are also said to be keen on the 20-year-old.

It’s reported that Rangers want up to £25million for Bassey. Villa could use Archer as a makeweight in the deal to ensure Rangers drop their asking price.