Aston Villa may look to offload either Ezri Konsa or Tyrone Mings this summer if they sign Calvin Bassey from Rangers, claims The Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Konsa and Mings have been the first-choice centre-back pairing during much of Steven Gerrard's time at the club, but that could be about to change heading into next season.

What's going on with Aston Villa's defence?

The Midlands club added a central defender to their ranks in January when they signed Calum Chambers from Arsenal. He went on to make 11 Premier League appearances in the second half of the season.

Gerrard's side have moved quickly this summer as well, wrapping up a deal in the region of £26m for Sevilla's Diego Carlos.

They may not be done there either, as they have been linked with Bassey, and The Times recently claimed that they are closing in on landing the 22-year-old.

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What has Taylor said about Konsa and Mings?

Despite adding Chambers to his squad at the start of the year, Gerrard largely stood by Konsa and Mings, as the £51.3m-rated duo played in 65 league matches between them in 2021/22.

However, Bassey would be Villa's third centre-back signing in a matter of months, and Taylor thinks this could indicate that the club are ready to sell either Konsa or Mings in the off-season.

When asked what the future holds for the pair, Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s hard to say because Gerrard seems to be quite a big fan of Konsa and Mings. Obviously, if Bassey arrives, that could see one of them sold.”

Who is more likely to leave out of Konsa and Mings?

Konsa suffered a knee injury at the back end of last season, ruling him out for 16 weeks, so he is not due back until September. Therefore, potential suitors may be reluctant to make a move for him before seeing how his recovery goes.

He is also five years younger than Mings, and Villa may decide that he has a brighter future in terms of his longevity, which could lead to them keeping him.

Meanwhile, Mings has been linked with a £35m switch to Newcastle by The Mirror, and the Villans could decide that this is too good an offer to turn down if the Magpies follow through with their interest.

Then again, Mings is the current club captain, and an England international who has done well in recent years to help Villa cement their place in the top-flight.

As a result, Gerrard may want to keep him on board for his influence both on and off the pitch, which could mean that Konsa moves on.