Rangers defender Calvin Bassey will likely complete a move to Aston Villa this summer, according to the Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Steven Gerrard’s side have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, along with West Ham and Arsenal, and Taylor feels that the Villans are in pole position to seal a deal:

“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.”

Whether Taylor has any inside knowledge about a move, it is hard to tell. One thing is for certain, though, Rangers won’t let Bassey go without their asking price being met.

It has been reported that the Scottish club will demand a fee in excess of £25m for the left-back, which is more than justified considering his superb performances both in the Scottish Premiership and in the Europa League last season.

Fans will be disappointed if the Gers do lose Bassey but, if Villa do meet the valuation, the money could be put to good use strengthening Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad.