The 22-year-old has impressed this season for Rangers both at left-back and centre-half, with the former Leicester City youngster now a first-team regular.

His good form has earned him his first Nigeria caps and the Villa manager Steven Gerrard knows him well after bringing him to Ibrox in 2020.

Aston Villa are planning a summer revamp under Gerrard, who joined the club from Rangers in November last year, and The Telegraph claims that left-back is an area the Birmingham outfit have identified for strengthening.

Calvin Bassey in action for Rangers during a Scottish Cup clash against Celtic.

Bassey is namechecked as one of Aston Villa’s targets, as is Bologna and Scotland full-back Aaron Hickey. The former Hearts starlet won his first caps for Scotland earlier this year and is being watched by a number of clubs in England and on the continent.

Bassey still has two years to run on his contract at Rangers and would command a sizeable transfer fee given his current form, potential and versatility in the backline.

Calvin Bassey: Aston Villa linked with move for Rangers defender - but Nigerian would command big fee