Brighton and Ajax have had initial talks on a agreement to deal with Rangers Highly-rated Calvin Bassey.
Brighton and Ajax have had initial talks on a agreement to deal with Rangers Highly-rated Calvin Bassey.
A versatile and versatile player, he is attracted by both the Serie A and Bundesliga with at least seven clubs following the 22-year-old.
It is reported that Ajax Head Coach Alfred Schreuder has spoken to Bassey via telephone and was overwhelmed as was the Dutch club planning an official bid to replace Lisandro Martinez, who is expected for a move to Manchester United .
Rangers are not frightened by their interest in Nigerian international, and they will not consider any offers that do not surpass PS20m One source suggesting that any deal could be required to beat the record of the all-time Scottish records of PS25m at the time Kieran Tierney moved to Arsenal after leaving Celtic.
If Bassey be the one to leave Leicester City for just PS230,000 two years ago - leave this summer, it will be a huge blow to Rangers beat their club record transfer fee by an additional season.
It is expected to be following Nathan Patterson's academy graduate transfer from Everton in January for PS16m . This move will help the club moves towards complete financial sustainability due its player trade model , an integral part in the Rangers management's approach.
Even though Bassey is believed as being settled in Rangers However, he could be willing to discuss further to Ajax or Brighton.
The defender, who has two years left on his contract, was part of 50 games across all competitions last season . He was included as part of the Europa League team of the season after the club's run through the final.
He also played a crucial part in the way Rangers were victorious in their first Scottish Cup in May, as well as winning the Scottish Premiership title he won during the previous season.
Rangers are already adding Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo and John Souttar to their squad for the summer, however they expect to make more moves in the coming days.
There is a reported interest being shown in Rangers another left-back Borna Barisic The club is contemplating adding more defensive options and also increasing their attacking options in their bid to make it to the Champions League and reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.
A former Rangers striker Kris Boyd told Sky Sports News:
"Especially towards the close of this season as well as during the Europa League run that Rangers enjoyed, Bassey was unbelievable. Bassey is also versatile. he's able to play left-back and he's able to play left of a two, the left of a 3, the middle of three, and I think that's one reason why the clubs are enticing him. It's a fact that, in the present that when teams look at players, they're considering them for various positions. Bassey definitely falls in the category of.
"These actions towards the final in the campaign for Rangers were impressive and it was evident that the team gained lots of faith from them also. They didn't need to guard the backline as much due to his speed and recovery ability, as well as his ability to manage one-on one scenarios. If he is forced to go, which it appears like it's going to happen, he'll be a huge loss for the Rangers.
"Players have been sacked in the past, and were substituted, but I think this one is slightly difficult due to the versatility. I believe the Rangers will require a backup. Borna Barisic is there however, he's been linked to moving away too. They're going to require someone to step to the left-back position, and someone who is able to play on the left side of a three or three off the after the loss of Bassey.
"Virgil van Dijk has proven that at the highest level, however I think it is extremely harsh to this young man right now, it's time to judge him. He's proving that has the qualities that he has; he's got speed and the aggression He's also good playing the ball, and is able to defend one-on-one which makes him an attractive choice for anyone.
"Brighton are the English team that has been linked to the player and I'm not shocked since the way they've conducted business since joining the Premier League has been outstanding.
"I do not think they'll be paying over the top for any player, and I don't believe they have to. We've seen it in the case of Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Ben White last season. They'll sign players and give them a chance and then give them an opportunity to sell them off. I'm certain that the owners Tony Bloom and Brighton will be thinking the same procedure when it comes to Calvin Bassey or they wouldn't make the deal.
"I can't help but think that this could maybe start a domino effect. We've already seen Zinchenko linked with Arsenal and if I was Manchester City, I would go and give Brighton whatever they want for Cucurella. I think he's as good as anything in the Premier League. He suits their attacking style of play and, if that's the case, Bassey could quite easily find himself being a starter at Brighton."
Sky Sports' Sahil Jaidka:
"It will not come as a shock that Rangers may be preparing to let go of one their top players of last season, but anyone who wants him will face the challenge of landing the defender, as is the battle.
"After several years of ups, and downs in the likes of Leyton Orient, Charlton and Leicester the 22-year-old been able to continue to shine at Ibrox and has also made it in to Ibrox's Nigeria squad.
"His ability to move quickly both in and out of possession agility, aerial presence and strength earned him an appearance as an initial name to appear on the roster at Ibrox the end of last season.
"Not only in the domestic arena but also across Europe, Bassey has shown that he is capable of achieve the top of the heap after winning the title of man of the match during the Europa League final then days after that during the Scottish Cup final.
"Rangers fans will surely be disappointed to see him go, however, if the club manages to get a price that is in excess of PS20m is a sign that the model of trading players is functioning.
"It isn't a secret Rangers are looking to purchase players who are developing them to then sell them off to make a profit. the departure of Bassey would make this occur.
"For Rangers to be able to collect the club's record amount for a player in another consecutive window is also welcome as Rangers are on the way to complete financial sustainability.
"With four additions already this window, it is clear the board are backing Giovanni van Bronckhorst in this transfer window and there's no doubt Sporting Director Ross Wilson will have a list ready to ensure more faces in several areas arrive at Ibrox before the transfer window shuts."
Former Rangers Winger Chris Burke told Sky Sports News:
"I believe he's been an star, particularly in the past six months. He's able to play many roles, as you can see in the back three or a back four.
"He's an incredible powerhouse and with time his performance is only getting better.
"Great team recruitment and if they decide to sell him , it will be quite a sum.
"We discuss Kieran Tierney having a salary more than PS25m and it's hard to imagine that Kieran Tierney is any less than PS25m.
"I am hoping for Rangers the sake of Rangers that he will stay with Rangers in the team, He's in the process of learning. He appears to be very talented and did a fantastic job during the European game.
"We hope we can see Calvin Bassey in a Rangers shirt next season but I won't be surprised if it's a bidding war for him."