Ajax on the brink of a £19m deal for Rangers left-back Bassey

Ajax are close to finalising a deal for Rangers left-back Calvin Bassey. 

The two clubs have agreed on an initial fee of £19million plus £4.25m in add-ons.

Bassey enjoyed a breakthrough season in Amsterdam last campaign, notching 50 appearances in all competitions as the Dutch side claimed their 36th Eredivisie title.

The defender's crowning moment last season came in the Scottish Cup final, his man-of-the-match display helping the Gers beat Hearts 2-0 in extra-time.

Bassey also produced a standout performance in Rangers' Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in May, riveting the gaze of several top flight clubs across Europe.

Ajax are close to selling centre-back Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United for a fee worth in the region of £46m, which likely be used to fund the Bassey transfer.

Brighton were also keen to land the Ibrox star, with Albion left-back Marc Cucurella being a long-time summer transfer target for champions Manchester City.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has also monitored Bassey closely at Aston Villa, although now the defender looks to be on his way to Holland.

The Scottish giants picked up Bassey on the cheap from Leicester City in 2020, parting with a mere £230,000 to land his signature.  

The 22-year-old was absent as Rangers beat Blackpool 2-1 in a friendly at Bloomfield Road.

'It was better for all to keep him behind,' Van Bronckhorst told Sky Sports.

'We are in talks with clubs who are interested so it looks like Calvin is moving on.

'Of course I want to keep Calvin. He had incredible development in the last six months, coming from the bench into the team and never left the team. I was really happy with his performances.

'But when you have players who are playing very well in