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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers braced for Bassey bids as Brighton and Ajax on £25m transfer collision course

Rangers braced for Bassey bids as Brighton and Ajax on £25m transfer collision course

RANGERS are reportedly braced for a bidding war over Calvin Bassey with Ajax and Brighton on a £25million transfer collision course.

Nigeria international Bassey, 22, was a standout performer for the Ibrox side last season both on the domestic and European stage.

The defender - who is comfortable at left-back or centrally - also earned rave reviews for his showings for Nigeria before the summer break.

Yesterday, De Telegraaf claimed Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder is 'very charmed' by Bassey having 'already spoken extensively by telephone'.

It's also reported Premier League side Brighton have an interest in Bassey with neither side lacking funds for a major transfer investment.

And Sky Sports claim initial talks over a transfer move have been held by both clubs.

Should Bassey move on then it'll net Rangers a massive profit with the club signning the player for a modest cross-border compensation fee from Leicester back in 2020.

The Daily Record claim Rangers are demanding a fee of around £25m to allow Bassey to move on this summer.

Ajax reportedly view Bassey as a potential replacement for Lisandro Martinez who is thought to be on the brink of a move to Manchester United.

Discussing Bassey's situation during pre-season, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: "You never know. Of course the potential he has is big, the potential also that a team will notice he has.

"He came in, he is very sharp, he is very energetic and happy. I think it is good for him to keep going, keep going, and to give everything he has to this team, which he has done so far really well.

"I had the same. I came here in ’98 after the World Cup and had three good years with Rangers and then I moved on to Arsenal and to the Premier League.

"I think that is also a path that many players will do. If you see the squad, Joe (Aribo) played for three years and we have reached a level now where I think he can reach another level being involved in the strongest league in the world.

"We have [Glen] Kamara as well, who is talented and came here. That is what you want as well and that is also what being a successful team in Scotland brings with it.

"I am more than happy to help Calvin in his development and to make sure he comes to reach a level where everyone will say ‘well, the best thing for him is to move on’. They are all winners.

"The club is a winner because we developed him and we will get a transfer fee. And the player as well, he will have a fantastic time here then move on."

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