Transfer window: Bassey next on Gerrard’s agenda as Aston Villa seal Carlos deal

Aston Villa have signed Sevilla defender Diego Carlos on a long-term deal.

A £26m deal has been brokered and the player is expected in the Midlands in the next few hours.

Villa have one over on Newcastle United who pushed hard for the player during January’s window but the Magpies were unable to break Sevilla’s resolve.

But the centre-back’s move to England could have a knock-on effect for Rangers.

Steven Gerrard is already making clear that he is in pursuit of defensive reinforcements during this year’s summer transfer widow.

And it is unlikely the back line improvements will stop at Carlos, with Calvin Bassey remaining high on the agenda.

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The Rangers star has impressed both domestically and in Europe this year and his positional versatility has made him an attractive option for Villa.

Gerrard is already a fan of the player, who he brought to Glasgow during his time in charge at Ibrox.

Bassey has thrived centrally in both a three and four at the back, but his rampaging style makes him an obvious candidate to challenge left-back Lucas Digne for minutes

Villa’s interest in the Nigerian international is likely separate from the pursuit of Carlos, who operates solely as a central defender.