Calvin Bassey priced out of Aston Villa move, interest in Rangers pair Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo
The price for Rangers star Calvin Bassey might be too high for him to leave the club, with Aston Villa leading the chase, according to Alan Nixon.
Sky Sports reported on Thursday night (26 May) that the Gers had told the queue of interested parties they would want a Scottish record fee of over £25million to part with the 22-year-old defender.
The club don’t want to lose the Nigerian international who has flourished this season, but will insist on major money if he is to go, and Sun reporter Nixon believes that might lead to him staying at Ibrox.
Asked on Twitter of the likelihood that Bassey or attacking stars Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent leave this summer he replied: “Bassey price seems too high for any move … interest in others but not aware of any bids … [Connor] Goldson can obviously pick his next move if he wants.”
Crystal Palace have previously been mooted as interested in fellow Nigerian Aribo, while Leeds continue to be linked with Kent.
Goldson’s contract is up this summer and he has so far not agreed an extension.
Retention
The clamour for Bassey has hotted up significantly since his outstanding performance in the Europa League final, which is no surprise.
The club are positioning themselves for a win-win situation, as well they might with a prized asset on their hands.
Either they keep the young defender, who grew through the season to become a key member of the first team, or he goes and they can fund a rebuild in multiple areas.
Sky reported that Bassey is “settled” at the club but “open” to a move so he presumably will be okay with the situation either way as well.
It is the sensible position for the Bears to take in this situation, and the stance from Nixon will raise hopes among fans that the squad won’t be broken up.
Success in Europe from clubs below the very top tier often leads to them being picked apart, and there is still a long way to go in the window.
But as long as the Ibrox side place strong valuations on the players to ensure they get what they need either way it does not have to be a major concern.
It will be a disappointment if Goldson does leave for free, but this is mitigated by the arrival of John Souttar at the end of his Hearts contract.
In other Rangers news, a BBC reporter has named the club in a multi-club chase for a prized free agent.