Calvin Bassey sees Rangers transfer sell on take Saudi twist as sneering Rafael van der Vaart offers Ajax exit help

He is wanted in London at Rangers' detriment - but the Fulham pursuit of Calvin Bassey has hit a Saudi Arabian hurdle amid more cynical criticism.

The Saudi Pro League clubs have gone on a spending spree and the latest to be targeted is Craven Cottage boss Marco Silva, as it is widely reported Al Ahly are offering £40m over a two-year deal for him to become their manager. Silva's agents are in London for talks with Saudi officials, with the Fulham boss holding a £6m release clause with one year left on his deal.

That would throw a spanner in the works of an initial £15m offer in writing for the Ajax defender, according to The Athletic. It's not known whether the Amsterdam giants have responded but it was reported in Holland on Monday that Ajax would think about a deal 'seriously' if €23 million was offered. Rangers' 10% sell-on clause only kicks into action if the Nigerian international is bought for more than their £19.6m fee received 12 months ago, so they will hope an offer from Rafael van der Vaart to take Bassey to England amid the interest is not accepted.

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The former midfielder-turned sneering pundit has launched fiery criticism of the defender, and can't believe Ajax would be able to recoup a high price for the 22-year-old. He told Oranjezomer: "I'll even personally take him there tonight.

"Those amounts are not normal these days. Seventeen million euros, after playing the ball to the wrong color for a year..."

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