With Lisandro Martínez set to join Manchester United, Ajax must bring in a replacement and have identified Rangers’ Calvin Bassey as the target.
On Thursday, reports coming out of the Dutch press stated the Eredivisie winners have followed 22-year-old Bassey for a long time and their manager, Alfred Schreuder, has had a phone call with him.
De Telegraaf on Friday explain the Rangers defender is the ‘absolute top priority’ for the Dutch champions to replace Martínez.
This has convinced Ajax to make an approach for him this summer. They have taken steps as their manager has held ‘several conversations’ with the Nigeria international, with the latest phone call taking place on Thursday.
The Rangers player is also coveted by Brighton & Hove Albion. Ajax chiefs Gerry Hamstra and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are hopeful the opportunity to play in the Champions League will convince Bassey to pick them over the Seagulls.
De Telegraaf add it is not clear the fee needed to convince Rangers to let go of Bassey. The price quoted elsewhere varies between €15m and €25m.
