Gerrard can seal "no-brainer" Villa signing with bid for "outstanding" £25m talent - opinion

Aston Villa‘s potential swoop for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has been labelled as a “no-brainer” by former Scotland defender Alan Hutton, who played for both clubs during his career.

Speaking to Football Insider, the 37-year-old was full of praise for the Nigerian international, stating: “He was outstanding in the Europa League final, and he carried that on in the Scottish Cup too.

“He’s growing in stature game-on-game. It doesn’t matter where he plays, centre-back or left-back – he gives you an unbelievable presence. He’s got such versatility – and that’s an attribute Villa will value so highly.

“For him to be putting in these kinds of performances at his age, and showing his capability at the highest level – it’s a no-brainer for someone like Villa to come in.

“If he can maintain that level and that consistency week-in, week-out – then wow, he could be an incredible player.”

Villa manager Steven Gerrard has already worked with the 22-year-old from his time in charge of Rangers and is reportedly keen to reunite with the versatile defender, with Sky Sports confirming the Midlanders’ interest earlier this week.

Having already signed Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal whilst completing swoops for Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, all before June, the West Midlands club have already laid down a marker this summer.

Gerrard and co undoubtedly have plenty of ambition when it comes to signings in the off-season, and Bassey would be another excellent addition.

The Nigerian played at left-back for a good chunk of 2021/22, but with the January signing of Lucas Digne, you would expect the 22-year-old to be regularly deployed as a centre-back at Villa.

Having made 49 appearances across all competitions this term, the former