Brighton were leading the chase to sign Calvin Bassey this summer - but they weren't quick enough in securing his services from Rangers and had him taken from under them, according to reports.
The Nigerian international left Ibrox earlier this summer for a crack at Dutch football with Ajax a deal in excess of £20 million, banking his now former club big cash, with the potential for more down the line. There were also Premier League clubs interested in him, one of which was reported to be Brighton as Ajax ramped up their eventually successful pursuit of Rangers' big asset.
According to The Telegraph though, it was the Seagulls who were 'leading this summer's race' as it approached its final straight but then there was a moment where Brighton 'hesitated.' The Dutch champions jumped in at this stage and got a deal over the line quickly to ensure a move back to England was not on the cards.
READ MORE: Rangers net Champions League play-off windfall as UEFA prize guarantee reached
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Bassey had previously been on the books at Leicester City, who he moved to Rangers from in 2020.
Graham Potter's side have a track record of developing top talent like Marc Cucurella, who just joined Chelsea after time at The Amex.
Since his departure, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has bolstered his Light Blues defence with Ridvan Yilmaz and Ben Davies.
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