Aston Villa signing Rangers defender Calvin Bassey this summer is a "no-brainer", says the Daily Express' Ryan Taylor.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Villa Park, and it is a deal Taylor can see happening.

What is the latest news involving Bassey?

According to Sky Sports, Villa are just one of several Premier League clubs who are currently tracking Bassey.

The same report states that he would cost in excess of £25m, which would make him the record sale in Scottish football.

The 6 ft 1 Nigerian was an incredibly important player for Rangers in their 2021/22 campaign as they went on to reach the Europa League final and claim the Scottish Cup.

In total, he made 50 appearances, playing at both centre-back and left-back for the Gers.

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What has Taylor said about Bassey to Villa?

Taylor thinks Bassey to Villa will happen, telling GIVEMESPORT that it is a no-brainer for Steven Gerrard to bring his former player to Villa Park.

Speaking to GMS, the Daily Express journalist said: "Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it's clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it's just a no-brainer.

"The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that's just naturally ready to step up and perform."

Would Bassey be a good signing for Villa?

Yes, he would. As alluded to earlier, he is a very versatile defender, able to play in central defence or at full-back.

The Nigeria international has also shown that he can perform at a high level with some of his performances in the Europa League, with Owen Hargreaves hailing his showing in the final as "astonishing".

He earned a rating of 7.01 on WhoScored for his display in the second leg of Rangers' semi-final encounter against RB Leipzig, making five successful tackles on the night. No player made more than him in the Gers' famous 3-1 win.

On Bassey, former Rangers winger Chris Burke recently told Sky Sports: "I think he's been a standout, especially during the last six months. He can play numerous positions as you can see in a back three or back four.

"He's a sheer powerhouse and as time goes on he's just getting better and better."

Villa will have to see off a lot of competition for Bassey if they want him this summer, but he looks worth all the potential hassle.