Fulham are closing in on Ajax star Calvin Bassey for £18.2m.. with Nigerian defender set to undergo medical ahead of sealing switch

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Fulham are closing in on the signing of Ajax defender Calvin Bassey. 

The highly rated defender is set to undergo a medical at Craven Cottage, with Marco Silva side closing in on an £18million deal.

Once confirmed, Bassey will be the Cottagers' second signing of the summer, following Raul Jimenez's transfer for £5.5 million from Wolves.

The 23-year-old Nigerian progressed through Leicester City's academy before joining Rangers. In 2022, he was sold to Ajax for a club record £20m.

Predominantly a centre back, Bassey is also capable of providing cover at left back, which will be required following the departures of Joe Bryan and Shane Duffy. 

Fulham closing in on the signing of Ajax defender Calvin Bassey after agreeing £18.2m move

Bassey is set to undergo a medical at Craven cottage, with Fulham confident of striking a deal

After Raul Jimenez, Marco Silva will only seek a new striker should Aleksandar Mitrovic depart

He made 39 appearances for Ajax last season, featuring in all their Champions League fixtures. 

Confirming a move was imminent, Ajax manager Maurice Steijn recently said: 'I told Calvin Bassey it would be better to leave Ajax. Also because of the money. When he leaves, we can strengthen the squad properly. 

'I have told him this honestly. He had a really tough year last season. Everyone gets a second chance and if he does better than someone else, he will play. 

'But the chances are, especially if we are going to get a new left-back or left-centre defender, that he will not play.'

Fulham finished 10th last season on their return to the Premier League. They will be hoping to avoid a relegation scrap and eye another top half finish.