Rangers boss reacts as Fulham make bid for versatile Super Eagles defender

Glasgow Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was asked at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Scottish Cup final to comment on recent speculation linking Calvin Bassey with a departure from Ibrox this summer.

French publication Homme Du Match claimed in the aftermath of the Europa League showpiece that Premier League newcomers Fulham are interested in the versatile Nigeria defender and tabled an offer of four million euros to test Rangers resolve to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

Bassey put himself in the shop window with a string of brilliant displays in the Europa League including the final vs Eintracht Frankfurt, and was nominated for the competition's Player of the Week.

Van Bronckhorst isn't surprised the Super Eagles star is being linked with other clubs but wants him at Rangers for as long as possible.

"I was very impressed with his performances, I think Calvin is playing really well in the last couple of months," the Dutch football tactician told reporters.

"His development as a player, as a person is amazing to see. I love working with him and if you see the games he played especially in Europe - semifinals, quarterfinals also the final - he played really well.

"I'm really happy for him because it will benefit his development as a player, he's still young, he's 22 but he's very open to advice, he wants to be stronger and better every day.

"For me it's ideal for me to work with him and of course I want to work as long as possible with Calvin but if you have these performances in Europe then you will get attention but I hope to see him for as long as possible in my team."

Bassey is not the only Nigeria international at Rangers with uncertainty surrounding his future as Leon Balogun is out of contract at the end of next month and Joe Aribo is believed to be on the wish list of clubs in the Premier League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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