Brighton and Ajax in talks over Rangers' Bassey

Brighton and Ajax have held initial talks over a deal to sign Rangers' highly-rated Calvin Bassey.

The versatile defender is also attracting interest from the Serie A and Bundesliga with at least seven sides tracking the 22-year-old.

Sky Sports News reported in May that Bassey was also a target for former Gers boss Steven Gerrard, now at Aston Villa.

It is understood Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder has spoken to Bassey over the phone and was impressed, with the Dutch club preparing a formal bid as they look to replace Lisandro Martinez who is set to join Manchester United.

Rangers are relaxed over interest in the Nigerian international and will not entertain any bids unless they exceed £20m, with one source suggesting any deal may need to better the all-time Scottish record of £25m when Kieran Tierney joined Arsenal from Celtic.

Should Bassey - who joined from Leicester City for just £230,000 two years ago - depart this summer it will see Rangers smash their club record transfer fee for a second consecutive season.

It would follow academy graduate Nathan Patterson's move to Everton in January for £16m as the club move towards full financial sustainability thanks to their player trading model - a key part of the Rangers board's strategy.

Although Bassey is understood to be settled at Rangers, he would be open to further talks with Ajax and Brighton.

The defender, who still has two years on his deal left - made 50 appearances across all competitions last season and was named in the Europa League team of the season following the club's run to the final.

He also played a key role as Rangers won the Scottish Cup in May, adding to the Scottish Premiership title he won the previous campaign.

Rangers have already added Antonio