Sky Sports: Villa and Gerrard already now prioritising a fourth target; NSWE are closing in

Aston Villa have made Rangers defender Calvin Bassey a priority defensive target, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

Villa have been extremely busy when it comes to summer signings ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge. The club are reportedly willing to spend over £150m and have already made Philippe Coutinho’s loan move permanent.

Deals for Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have also been agreed and reports in recent days have stated that NSWE are now closing in on a move for Rangers defender Bassey.

Sky Sports reporter Dorsett provided an update on the club’s transfer plans on Tuesday morning. He stated that Gerrard wants more after Coutinho, Kamara and Carlos, adding that Bassey is a ‘key’ target.

James Tarkowski is also name-checked in the report, however, Villa correspondent Gregg Evans has claimed that a move to the Midlands is unlikely.

Bassey starred in Scotland last season, turning out as a centre-back and a left-back, two areas that could do with bolstering at Villa Park.

Providing Ashley Young and Matt Targett leave over the coming months, Lucas Digne will be the only senior left-back available to Gerrard, so Bassey would provide adequate cover.

He’d also challenge for a starting spot at centre-back, where he impressed in the Europa League final, and who knows, he could form a solid partnership with Carlos, providing a move goes through.

In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him – transfer insider. 

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