Alex Crook has dropped an update on the future of Glasgow Rangers defender Calvin Bassey.

What's the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the talkSPORT journalist revealed that, despite Giovanni van Bronckhorst being extremely keen to retain the services of the 22-year-old at Ibrox for at least one more season, following the news of Lisandro Martinez's impending £42m move to Manchester United, Ajax could now look to launch a £20m bid for the Nigeria international in order to replace the 24-year-old Argentine.

Regarding the future of Bassey, Crook said: "I know Rangers are keen to keep him for at least one more year but you have to believe the lure of playing in the Champions League and playing for an iconic club like Ajax might be too good to turn down.

"The fee I'm being told is in the region of between £15m and £20m with add-ons. I know there is Premier League interest - strong interest from Brighton earlier in the window which seems to have gone quiet. It wouldn't surprise me if Calvin Bassey was to replace Martinez at Ajax. He offers that versatility."

Supporters will hate Crooks' update

Considering just how important a part of the Rangers side Bassey proved himself to be last season, Crooks' suggestion that Ajax could now steal the defender away from Ibrox this summer is sure to be news the Light Blues faithful will hate.

Indeed, over his 29 Premiership appearances in 2021/22, the £9m-rated talent was in fantastic form for Van Bronckhorst's side, helping Gers keep 13 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and winning 5.2 duels - at a success rate of 63% - per game.

The £10k-per-week defender also chipped in for Rangers going forwards, registering three assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.4 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per fixture - with these returns seeing the Nigerian average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

However, it was the 22-year-old's form over his 14 Europa League appearances last season that most caught the eye, helping his side keep two clean sheets and creating two big chances, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and winning 4.0 duels - at a success rate of 60% - per outing.

These metrics saw Bassey average an exceptional SofaScore match rating of 6.90, with the versatile left-back playing a starring role in Gers' widely unexpected run to the final of the European competition.

As such, while receiving a £20m fee for the defender would undoubtedly come as a very welcome boost to the club's bank balance, the loss of a player with the talent of the former Leicester City starlet would certainly be a gutting blow for Van Bronckhorst heading into the 2022/23 Premiership campaign.

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