Brighton have reportedly put forward a £16million offer for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey but fall short compared to a bid from Ajax.
According to the Daily Mail, the Dutch champions have offered £19million plus add-ons for the 22-year-old. However, it is said Rangers are yet to receive an offer that matches their valuation, with both Brighton and Ajax believed to have made an approach for the defender, as reported by the Daily Record.
The Nigerian international has attracted admirers after an outstanding season with the Scottish Premiership side. Bassey was a key man as Rangers reached the Europa League final, losing to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in Seville, before lifting the Scottish Cup last term.
The Gers will want to keep hold of one of their prized assets and are said to have placed a £25million price tag on Bassey. Ajax are lining the Nigerian up as a potential replacement for outgoing center-back Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentine set for a £45million move to Manchester United.
The Gunners boss praised the harmony in the squad and says new signings have settled in well already
The defender played more than 4,300 minutes for Rangers last term and missed out on just one of 14 Europa League games, starting 12 of them. As well as Brighton and Ajax, Bassey has also been linked with Aston Villa and a possible reunion with former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard. Amid the transfer speculation, Bassey was absent for the Rangers’ friendly fixture against Blackpool on Saturday.