Aston Villa "seem to be in a good position" to negotiate with Rangers over the services of Calvin Bassey, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Despite the window not officially opening until Friday, Steven Gerrard's side have already made four signings and are targeting a fifth in Bassey.

What business have Villa already completed?

Following his successful loan spell, which saw him score five goals and lay on three assists, Villa's first piece of summer business saw Philippe Coutinho arrive from Barcelona a permanent basis for £17m.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Less than two weeks later, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara joined on a free transfer from the French giants, before Gerrard sealed a major coup in Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, who was heavily linked with Newcastle throughout January, but decided to sign for Villa in a £26m deal.

Villa's latest signing saw goalkeeper Robin Olsen turn his loan deal into a permanent one despite making just one appearance, which came at Manchester City on the final day, following his switch in January.

And Jones reckons that Gerrard's charges are well placed to start making their move for Bassey, who's set to cost around £25m.

What did Jones say about Bassey?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think at this stage, Aston Villa seem to be in a good position to negotiate. We've already seen Steven Gerrard have a big impact on signings they've already got through the door.

"People are speaking very well about him as a person and a manager and Calvin Bassey will be more than aware of what he could bring to his game further so definitely the Gerrard effect could work."

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Why do Villa want Bassey?

There are many reasons that Villa want to bring the young defender to Villa Park, the obvious one being he has played under Gerrard previously.

In fact, it was Gerrard that brought Bassey to Rangers in the summer of 2020 and then made him a regular starter last season, in which he made 50 appearances in all competitions, contributing six assists.

He generally played as a left-back when Gerrard was Rangers manager, and while signing Bassey might appear slightly strange considering Lucas Digne only arrived in January, the 22-year-old is also capable of playing centre-back, a position he played more than 20 times last term.

Therefore, a player that Gerrard knows well and one that offers versatility, on paper looks a no-brainer for Villa.