FORMER Rangers defender Sergio Porrini has revealed Serie A transfer interest in Calvin Bassey.

The Ibrox defender has been the subject of increased speculation this summer after his stunning form for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side.

Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Bassey's signature, while other Premier League outfits are also monitoring his situtaion.

Porrini is a big fan and he reckons the former Leicester City youngster can go all the way.

He told the Daily Record: “I am not surprised that Aston Villa and other top clubs are looking at him. I know there has been Serie A interest and a lot of teams will be wanting to sign him this summer.

“Any club who has the budget will be trying to get him because he is a top, young defender who will only get better. The good thing for Rangers is that he is still under contract and if they are to sell him it would take a lot of money to get him.

“I have been really impressed with Bassey. He has been really impressive this season.

“He caught my eye especially in the big European games and for me he was as good as anyone in the Europa League final.

“He is quick. physically strong and very committed. For me, he is a real defender.

“You have the defender who is very good on the ball and the other is more like a Giorgio Chiellini who is very strong but also has the quality to play. I think Bassey falls into that latter category.”

Reflecting on last season for Rangers, Porrini added: “It was also going to be difficult to get a top coach who was in the heart of Rangers like Steven Gerrard.

“It wasn’t easy for Gio when he first went in at Rangers but he still did a great job.

"Rangers weren’t the best team in the Europa League - there were teams like Barcelona and other big teams with multi-million pound squads but it was Rangers who got to the final.

“Gio did a great job because getting to the final wasn’t easy and it was a fantastic achievement. You have to remember Rangers beat teams like Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig who were big favourites but they pulled off two fantastic victories.

“Yes, in the Scottish Premiership he could have done better but in his first season at Rangers I still think Gio has done a really great job.”