By Sam Stone

17th Jul, 2022 | 8:40pm

Rangers remain 'relaxed' on Calvin Bassey exit with 'lengthy list' of replacements lined up

Rangers have a “lengthy list of targets” to replace Calvin Bassey as the 22-year-old defender closes in on a move to Dutch giants Ajax according to Scottish freelance journalist Fraser Fletcher.

Bassey is closing in on a deal to join Ajax in a deal that could rise to £22.9million as reported by Sky Sports on Saturday 16 July.

However, former BBC Scotland journalist Fletcher has revealed on Sunday 17 July (via Twitter) that the Gers “remain relaxed” on a replacement for the influential defender and that “no timescale” has been placed on bring a new player into Ibrox.

Have to move quick

Although it is good the club are relaxed when it comes to finding a replacement for Bassey, it is important to remember that the Gers face a Champions League qualifying campaign at the start of August.

Qualification to Europe’s top competition will give the Gers a financial boost as well as being able to draw players to the club.

Bassey was a huge part of the Gers’ success in the 2021/22 season and will be extremely difficult to replace for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The club hierarchy must make sure they’re in the strongest possible position heading into the qualifiers and losing arguably their best player without an adequate replacement will significantly weaken Van Bronckhorst’s side.

It is time for Rangers to really invest and back the manager and kick on from their Europa League run from last season.

So far the Gers have spent £4.6million on transfer fees, made two free additions, and one loan acquisition.

Considering the success of last season, it is a real surprise they haven’t invested more thus far.

Let’s hope the incoming fee for Bassey is used to significantly improve the squad heading into the new season.

In other Rangers news, Celtic and the Gers are at loggerheads over a record-breaking SPFL midfielder and a bid for him has already been tabled.