Ajax defender Calvin Bassey is being targeted by Brighton and Hove Albion and the defender is ‘high on their wish list’.
That’s according to Voetbal International, relayed by Voetbal Primeur, who back up the Seagulls interest in the Nigerian defender following reports from elsewhere.
They explain that Brighton’s interest in Bassey goes back to last summer, when they showed ‘extensive interest’ in the centre back before he chose a move to Ajax instead.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side have retained that interest, though, despite the fact Bassey made something of a disappointing impression at Ajax last season.
They ‘still think highly of him’ and are particularly keen on a transfer as he counts as a homegrown player thanks to his past playing in Leicester City’s youth team.
Ajax paid €23m to sign him as a replacement for Lisandro Martinez last summer and they are yet to decide whether they want to keep the defender or let him leave.
That decision will be up to new director of football Sven Mislintat, who has to determine whether to hand Bassey another chance to impress or cut his side’s losses and sell to Brighton.
Much is likely to depend on Jurrien Timber, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. If he departs before Bassey, Ajax may be reluctant to sell to Brighton before finding replacements for both players.
Either way, it appears Brighton have made their interest clear to the Dutch side and this is one potential deal to keep an eye on moving forwards.
