Calvin Bassey left out of Rangers squad amid Ajax and Brighton transfer push

Calvin Bassey has been left out of the Rangers side to face Blackpool amid frenzied speculation surrounding his future.

English Premier League outfit Brighton as well as Dutch champions Ajax have both tabled offers for the versatile defender. The Seagulls have submitted a bid of £16million, while de Godenzoden are willing to shell out £19million plus add-ons. However, the Europa League finalists believe either meets their valuation of the Nigerian international. They are keen to keep a hold of Bassey unless they receive a fee in the region of £25millions. The Ibrox club believe they can command top dollar for the former Leicester kid, who starred in their run to the Europa League final last season.

Joe Aribo has already departed.He left for Southampton last weekend in a deal worth an initial £6million to the Scottish Cup winners, and it could rise to £10million if certain conditions are met. That comes off the back of Nathan Patterson’s £16million switch to Everton in January.

Director of football Ross Wilson has helped Rangers back a good chunk of transfer change so far this year. But the Bassey fee is set to blow the others out of the water if Rangers can get the money they’re looking for. Ajax are confident of landing Bassey, but may need to up their offer a bit before a deal can be done. A move is still on the cards, and Bassey won’t be involved against the Seasiders today.

Gio van Bronckhorst takes his side to Bloomfield Road in order to take on Michael Appleton’s side. Antonio Colak starts up front, while fellow new boys Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo are on the bench for the friendly clash.

Fans will have to wait in order to catch a glimpse of latest signing Malik Tillman however, The USA international only