Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly still keen on adding Rangers defender Calvin Bassey to his squad this summer, despite the recent addition of Diego Carlos.

What's the word?

As per Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett, the Midlands side are looking to add to their three early acquisitions in the upcoming window, with Gerrard still 'keen to strengthen' both in midfield and defence, in particular.

The report suggests that additions to the backline are particularly important to the Liverpool legend as he 'wants more' depth to his squad, with 22-year-old Bassey named as one of the club's 'key defensive targets' this summer.

This follows speculation that Villa are already 'closing in' on a move for the Nigeria international, with some quarters suggesting that a deal could be worth as much as £25m.

Gerrard loves him

The signing of the aforementioned Carlos has already bolstered the club's backline, although it would appear that Gerrard is still craving added quality in order to try and improve upon their 14th place finish in the most recent campaign.

In Bassey, the Englishman would be turning to a familiar face having brought the versatile defender to Ibrox from Leicester City back in the summer of 2020, eventually handing the £900k-rated gem his senior debut later that year.

Dubbed "outstanding" by his former boss due to his form in his debut campaign in Scotland, the Italy-born colossus did have to bide his time during the 2020/21 season, although has since kicked on to become a key figure for the Premiership outfit, making 49 appearances during the 2021/22 campaign in all campaign.

Comfortable both at centre-back and on the left of the defence, the £6.4k-per-week star was particularly impressive as Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side surged to the Europa League final, the 6 foot 1 brute averaging 1.6 clearances, 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in his 14 outings in the competition - 12 of which had come as starts.

He was particularly impressive despite defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the showpiece, continuing to remain rock-solid even in the depths of extra-time, leaving pundit Ally McCoist to dub him as "absolutely phenomenal" for his performance.

Van Bronckhorst was equally as effusive in his praise, labelling the former Foxes man as "tremendous" for his rapid rise over the past year, with the defender again going on to catch the eye as his side clinched the Scottish Cup.

Gerrard will no doubt have been keeping a close eye on such performances, with it no real surprise to see the Villans linked with a move, as the former England skipper plots a reunion with the emerging talent.

As the Villa boss plots to shape a new squad at his current side, it would no doubt prove wise to turn to a player that he simply loves and trusts in Bassey, with sporting director Johan Lange needing to get the deal done.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC's next Southgate with move for "outstanding" £120k-p/w warrior