Aston Villa are believed to be edging closer towards a deal for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, as Steven Gerrard steps up his bid to reunite with the player.
What’s the word?
As per the Times, the Midlands outfit are reportedly ‘closing in’ on a deal for the 22-year-old, following his impressive displays at Ibrox in recent seasons, including in both the Europa League final and the Scottish Cup final that took place last week – the Glasgow outfit winning the latter.
The Nigeria international had been part of Leicester City’s academy before being plucked by the Old Firm giants in the summer of 2020, going on to make his debut under Gerrard that season, before truly cementing his place in the side during the 2021/22 campaign.
A reunion between the duo is now on the cards at Villa Park, although it is as yet unclear as to just how much the Italy-born gem will cost, albeit with former Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas suggesting a fee of around £25m.
The news comes with the club confirming they have reached an agreement to bring Diego Carlos to the Midlands.
Bye-Bye Mings
The youngster’s displays both domestically and in Europe in the most recent campaign have seemingly caught the eye of his former manager, with Bassey having been a standout force for the Gers in recent months.
In the Europa League, in particular, the £900k-rated machine had been quite remarkable, averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game in his 14 outings, while in the showpiece defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt he was also impressive, with pundit Owen Hargreaves describing him as “astonishing” for his relentless work ethic, even deep into extra-time.
Comfortable both in the centre of defence and at left-back, it is no real surprise to see why the £6.4k-per-week starlet has been so highly-coveted, with Villa set to have a really exciting prospect on their hands should a deal go through.
Should Villa replace Mings with Bassey?
As one door opens, however, another closes, with current skipper Tyrone Mings potentially the man to make way, with recent reports suggesting that the Premier League side are keen to cash in on the 29-year-old this summer.
Gerrard and co are seemingly eyeing a new left-sided centre-back – hence the interest in Bassey – with a plan to help improve the club’s defensive displays, having shipped 54 league goals during the 2021/22 season.
The England international has been a large source of blame for many, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there is “a mistake in his game somewhere”, with the club needing a top-level replacement in order to kick on.
The aforementioned Nicholas has suggested that the younger man is “already a better player” than Mings, with the 17-cap giant seemingly tipped for the axe from all corners.
Should NSWE manage to get the Bassey deal over the line in the coming days or weeks, it could well prove to be the end of the road for the Villa captain.
IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior
