Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has stirred up a bidding war after Brighton in the Premier League and Ajax Amsterdam held initial talks over a deal to sign him.
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‘ Sahil Jaidka said: “It comes as no surprise that Rangers could be set to sell one of their standout players from last season but whoever wants him faces a real battle to land the defender, such is the competition.
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 to Manchester United.
Rangers are relaxed over interest in the Nigeria 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.
