Ajax reject Brighton’s £20m bid for Bassey as Leeds United target Dennis

Dutch side, Ajax Amsterdam, at the weekend, rejected Brighton’s £20 million bid for Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey. Bassey joined Ajax after a fantastic season at Glasgow Rangers, which included an inspired run to the final of the UEFA Europa League, which they lost via penalty shoot out to Eintracht Frankfurt. But his first season in Amsterdam did not go as he planned, with Ajax ending the Eredivise in third position.

But Bassey must have done enough to elicit interest from Brighton, who want him to replace Chelsea-owned Levi Colwil. According to reports in the Netherlands, Brighton came in with a bid of €23m (£19.6m), but after that was rejected, they turned their attentions to Fiorentina’s Igor.

Bassey’s former club, Rangers, are due 10 per cent of any amount Ajax sells the versatile Super Eagles’ star. Reports say Ajax holding out for more cash with Bassey only 23 and under contract for another four years.

Brighton already tried to get Bassey last summer before Ajax signed him. However, the Godenzonen may let the 23-year-old defender leave the club if they get the right fee.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ forward, Emmanuel Dennis, could be on his way to Leeds United if they agree a good fee with Nottingham Forest. According to Football Insider, the Reds are open to a sale just 12 months after signing Dennis from Watford.

Forest reportedly signed the 25-year-old for £20 million last summer following their promotion to the Premier League.

However, his time at the City Ground could come to a swift end in the coming weeks if a deal can be agreed between Forest and the Whites. There was a lot of optimism among Forest fans last summer following Dennis’ arrival given he had performed well in the Premier League for Watford the year prior.

However, the forward struggled for form and game time in Steve Cooper’s side. Dennis made just 19 appearances in the top flight, of which only six came as a start.
Dennis scored two and assisted two as the Reds finished 16th in the Premier League upon their return to the top division.

But the forward was further down the pecking order than initially expected, with another Nigerian, Taiwo Awoniyi, taking on the role of central forward option when available.

Dennis previously scored 10 and assisted six for the Hornets in 2021-22 when the club suffered relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. Now Leeds are targeting a move for the striker, who has spent most of his career playing top flight football.