Steven Gerrard told he will have to spend £25m to bring left-footer to Aston Villa

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Alex McLeish has told STV that Rangers should be requesting Aston Villa to pay £25m for Calvin Bassey, the same fee that saw Arsenal sign Kieran Tierney from Celtic amid interest from Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.

Bassey, 22, has enjoyed a stellar 2021-22 campaign. Becoming a mainstay of the side either at left-back or centre-back, he clocked up 50 of his 65 career appearances – helping the Gers reach the Europa League final.

Rangers also held aloft the Scottish Cup, only their second silverware since returning to the top flight of Scottish football. Bassey’s pace, power and form has attracted that of his old manager, Gerrard.

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Gerrard took him to Villa from Leicester in 2020 – and now wants to sign him again. It is believed Bassey is open to such a deal. McLeish thinks he would cost £25million, the same fee that took Tierney to Arsenal.

“I would say yes,” McLeish said, when asked whether he would command a similar fee to the one that took Tierney south. “In the beginning when I saw Bassey I wasn’t sure if he was a left full-back, wing-back, centre-back.

“He’s been versatile enough to play in all three positions. I really enjoyed his cup final performance and that’s made me see why there’s so much attention being paid to him at the moment.”

McLeish: Rangers should request Villa to pay £25m for Bassey

A huge fee, given he has only played 65 times at a senior level. But the potential, talent, and prowess is there for all to see. Bassey has it all; even on the ball, he is excellent – whether that is passing, or creating an assist.

Bassey has a contract at Rangers until the summer of 2024 and if Rangers are to sell him, this summer would be the best time to do it. Next summer, and his contractual situation means he loses value.

Villa have just signed Diego Carlos from Sevilla and that might reduce the need for Bassey – but if they are intent on getting him, then a fee of £25million is probably fair.