Calvin Bassey reportedly left Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder "charmed" following a phone-call as his interest in the Rangers defender ramps up. Reports on Wednesday claimed both the Eredivisie champions and Premier League side Brighton were eyeing the Nigeria international.
His profile has risen considerably since the end of last season after playing a pivotal role in Rangers reaching the Europa League Final and winning the Scottish Cup. That's attracted interest from across the continent and now De Telegraaf report Ajax are serious about signing the 22-year-old.
They state Bassey has already spoken "extensively" to the Dutch side's new manager, who has been encouraged by what he's heard from the former Leicester City youth. He could face competition from Brighton as they prepare to lose left-back Marc Cucurella to Manchester City in a £50million deal.
Reports have priced Bassey, under contract until 2024, at £25m and there could now be a tug-of-war for his signature if both clubs decide to pursue the transfer. Ajax look likely to be in the market for a defender in the near future as centre-back Lisandro Martinez closes in on a move to Manchester United.
Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst addressed Bassey's future on Wednesday as he insisted that while he reckons the player is destined for the top, the time is not yet right for him to depart Ibrox. He believes Bassey should remain in Glasgow to best further his development for now.
Van Bronckhorst said: “He wants to develop himself, and hopefully we can have him longer here because his development needs to be a couple of years more before he reaches the level that he will be comfortable to get into a new team. You never know what will happen. The potential Bassey has is massive, that is potential also other teams will notice he has."
