Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be ‘hoping his past connections’ with Rangers defender Calvin Bassey can aid any potential deal, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Midlands outfit have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old in recent weeks as their ambitious owners have already begun another assault on the transfer market.

What is the latest news involving Bassey?

Bassey was signed by Gerrard for Rangers from Leicester City back in July 2020 and went on to make 28 appearances under his stewardship across all competitions.

And now, it seems as though the Villa boss is eager for a reunion with the Nigeria international following an outstanding season for the Glasgow giants.

According to The Telegraph, Bassey ‘appeals to his former manager’ largely due to versatility as he is capable of playing at left-back, in the heart of defence, or on the left of a back three.

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However, the Villans could face stiff competition for the 6 foot 1 ace’s signature as the Daily Record claim Premier League trio Fulham, Wolves and Brentford are also keeping close tabs on his situation.

Bassey still has two years remaining on his current contract at Ibrox, though, leaving Rangers in a strong position around the negotiating table.

What has O’Rourke said about Bassey?

The race for Bassey’s services could be one of the most fiercely contested battles in the transfer market this summer, especially after his eye-catching display in the Europa League final.

Nevertheless, O’Rourke believes Gerrard will attempt to use his previous contact with the player to ‘swing the deal in his favour’.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think for Rangers, they'll be definitely trying to keep hold of Bassey, but Gerrard will be hoping his past connections with Bassey can maybe swing the deal in his favour, if Rangers do decide to sell.”

How good is Bassey?

Bassey was somewhat of an unknown quantity when he first arrived at Rangers and largely played back-up to first-choice left-back Borna Barisic during his maiden campaign in Scottish football.

But he cemented his status as one of the club’s key players in 2021/22, providing six assists in 49 outings as the Gers lifted the Scottish Cup.

It was Bassey’s display against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League’s showpiece event that really catapulted him into the thinking of potential suitors, though, with Owen Hargreaves describing his showing as “astonishing”.

Only time will tell if Gerrard follows up his apparent interest with a concrete offer, but a partnership of Bassey and Diego Carlos at centre-back would surely be an appealing one for the Villa boss.