Aston Villa could replace Matt Targett by signing ‘colossus’ Steven Gerrard called ‘outstanding’ – pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Aston Villa could replace Matt Targett with Rangers “colossus” Calvin Bassey this summer.
The former Gers and Villa boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old Ibrox star has proven his ability as a left-back in big games this season.
The Athletic (26 May) claim Villa are open to offers for Newcastle loanee Targett, 26, and have already started looking for replacements.
Meanwhile, the Times (26 May) report Steven Gerrard is keen to reunite with Bassey and that the Villans are set to step up their pursuit ahead of the summer.
Having seen Bassey play both left-back and centre-back at Rangers, McLeish suggested he could replace Targett.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Bassey has turned into something of a colossus. He’s gone from not being sure whether he was playing left centre-back or left-back.
“He was always seen as a left-back but Rangers used him in that three at the back role a couple of times. You wondered if he was getting a bit confused but it’s good for his learning of the game.
“Now his confidence is so sky-high. He’s got a lot of good little actions with the ball at his feet where he can turn the defender when he’s attacking. Of course, he defends the game pretty well also, which is his main priority.
“After seeing his performance in the Scottish Cup final as a left-back, if Aston Villa play that kind of system, I don’t see why Bassey can’t fit into the left-back position. They’ve been adjusting that position after Matt Targett left.”
Bassey played 28 times under Gerrard at Rangers, with the manager branding the defender “outstanding” back in October 2020.
In other news, pundit claims Aston Villa could sign another midfielder after Boubacar Kamara news.