According to the Daily Mail, Ajax and Brighton are interested in signing Calvin Bassey from Rangers this summer.
Interest in the Nigeria international ramped up after he shone in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, which – despite the result – crowned a fine individual campaign for the defender.
Steven Gerrard is also keen to bring Bassey to Aston Villa, although in our view, the interest from Ajax and Brighton could soon put Rangers in a difficult situation.
What’s the story?
Well, Giovanni van Bronckhorst may find himself met with offers he simply cannot refuse.
According to the Guardian, Ajax are close to receiving a £42m windfall from Manchester United, after the Dutch giants accepted a bid for Lisandro Martinez, who – like Bassey – is capable of playing on the left or in the centre of defence.
That isn’t all.
Brighton could also receive a huge injection of cash themselves, as Manchester City are targeting Marc Cucurella following a fine season at left-back for the Spaniard.
According to The Athletic, the Seagulls would be happy to sell for £50m.
Therefore, Rangers could soon find themselves attempting to fend off a pair of clubs with bulging wallets, desperate to spend their earnings on Bassey.
Rangers must hold firm with Calvin Bassey
Of course, every player has his price, and it is very possible that Rangers lose Bassey this summer.
However, Van Bronckhorst must be resolute, and at least demand the £25m fee Celtic received from Arsenal for Kieran Tierney back in 2019.
In our view, Rangers would even be well within their rights to slap a £30m price tag on Bassey.
After all, he is just 22 years of age, a full international, and also a versatile figure who rarely picks up injuries.
With all of the above considered, Bassey should not be leaving Ibrox for anything other than a club-record sale.
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