Calvin Bassey transfer latest as Ajax deal for Rangers star set to be 'agreed next week'

Ajax are set to close a deal for Calvin Bassey next week - according to a report. It's claimed the Dutch giants are expected to trump Premier League side Brighton in the race to sign the Rangers star.

The 22-year-old Nigeria international is attracting serious interest from both clubs and The Telegraph report it's the Eredivisie champions who are poised to prevail with a bid worth up to £20million. The report states Brighton will only go as high as £15m but that Ajax are willing to pay more.

The Amsterdam club have already splashed the cash this summer but are set to make a substantial profit on defender Lisandro Martinez as he closes in on a move to Manchester United. It's believed Bassey is being viewed as a ready-made replacement for the Argentine centre-back. Brighton are also looking for a potential successor for left-back Marc Cucurella, who is a target for English champions Manchester City.

A £20m deal would smash Rangers ' previous record fee - a deal for Nathan Patterson which could rise as high as £16m following an initial £11m payment from Everton in January this year. Bassey rose to prominence in the latter half of last season as he inspired Giovanni van Bronckhorst 's side on their run to the Europa League Final and in winning the Scottish Cup.

Van Bronckhorst wants Bassey to continue his development at Ibrox for another year but it's looking ever more likely he will be heading for the Netherlands. A former Leicester City youth, he arrived at Rangers under Steven Gerrard in 2020 for around £230,000, meaning the club are set to make a substantial profit on their investment.