Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey is eyeing a reunion with his former boss, Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
Bassey was signed from Leicester City by Gerrard during the latter’s reign as Rangers manager.
The Nigerian international has been linked with a move to Aston Villa following his impressive displays for Rangers in the 2021/22 season.
The 22-year-old received huge plaudits for his superb performance in Rangers’ UEFA Europa League final defeat to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Sky Sports says Bassey would be “open to talking to Villa”. While Gerrard’s side are reported to have had scouts in attendance to watch the defender as Rangers lifted the Scottish Cup against Hearts last weekend and are hoping to “pursue a deal quickly” in order to fight off competition from other sides.
Bassey has been linked with a move to the Premier League side after a stellar campaign with Rangers.
The Nigerian international was signed for Rangers from Leicester City by Gerrard in 2020.
The 22-year-old hugged the headlines after his superb display in Rangers’ UEFA Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The defender followed that up with another impressive performance in the Scottish Cup final win against Hearts few days later.
Asked whether Bassey will sign a new Rangers contract, Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “I don’t think he will, to be honest.
“The problem with Rangers and Celtic is they can’t pay the money that teams in the Premier League can. Goldson’s trying to move for financial reasons.
“What can Rangers offer Bassey? That’s the issue. He could probably get double the money at Aston Villa.
“I’m sure he would be reluctant to sign a new contract and see what is out there for him, to be honest.
“There will be clubs out there for him, 1000 per cent. He’s quick, calm on the ball, strong and good in the air.
“I’m surrpsied that Leicester let him go, to be honest. That’s very strange.”
Bassey is under contract at Rangers until 2024.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
