Calvin Bassey is poised for a Fulham medical after the Whites agreed a fee of just over £18m with Ajax for the Nigerian international.

The 23 year-old centre back, who can also operate at left back, is not in the plans of new Ajax head coach Maurice Steijn and is keen to return to the Premier League, having come through the Leicester City academy. The powerful defender spent five years with the Foxes but moved to Glasgow Rangers in 2020. He made fifteen appearances in his first season at Ibrox as Steven Gerrard’s side stopped Celtic winning ten straight Scottish titles, but became a crucial part of the side that won the Scottish Cup and reached the Europa League final the following year – featuring 50 times across all competitions.

His outstanding displays in Rangers’ run all the way to the final, where they were beaten on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt, attracted interest in his services from across Europe. Ajax won the race to sign him, spending £20m, but the new signing was shown a straight red card on debut fifteen minutes after coming on as a substitute. Bassey made 39 appearances for de Godenzonen last season, including six starts in the Champions’ League, and could cover two crucial positions at Craven Cottage.

Fulham appear to have beaten off Brighton and Hove Albion and a number of continental clubs in quickly concluding a deal, which includes a sell-on fee, after Benfica rejected their fifth offer for Morato. Bassey, who was eligible to represent England, Italy or Nigeria at international level, plumped for the Super Eagles and has won ten senior caps for his country.