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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Nigeria international Calvin Bassey after being impressed by his performances this season for Fulham.
Bassey has been one of the standout performers for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, showing his quality and consistency despite Fulham’s struggles.
His influence has grown to the point where he has also been entrusted with the captain’s armband.
Now, TEAMtalk understand United’s footballing department have been impressed by what they have seen, while a number of other clubs are assessing his situation as he enters the final months of his current contract.
Bassey’s deal is due to expire in the summer, although Fulham have the option to extend it by a further year. The club are interested in agreeing fresh terms with the defender, but that has not prevented rival sides from stepping up their monitoring of his performances.
United are assessing their defensive options ahead of an extensive rebuild in 2027.
Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are all out of contract next summer, leaving the club facing important decisions over the make-up of their back line.
In an update earlier today (Friday) TEAMtalk stated that Martinez is ready to leave United and take on a new challenge, with Barcelona making an enquiry over a potential transfer.
Bassey is an attractive option for United because he combines Premier League experience with the versatility to play at both centre-back and left-back.
He turns 27 in December and is developing into one of the more reliable defenders in the top flight, making his contract situation particularly interesting to potential suitors.
Also Read: Ajax Offers £19m For Calvin Bassey
However, the Red Devils are set to face competition for Bassey’s signature, as Newcastle United and Everton have also been keeping tabs on the Nigerian this season as they consider their own defensive recruitment plans.
Interest is not limited to England, either. Inter Milan are among the foreign clubs following his progress, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig also monitoring the Fulham defender.
For Fulham, the priority will be to protect the future of a player who has become increasingly important to Arbeloa’s side.
Born in Italy to parents from Nigeria, Bassey was a product of Leicester City’s youth system but did not make a senior appearance for the club before joining Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020.
He made 65 appearances over two seasons for Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
In July 2022, he signed for Dutch club Ajax, with Rangers receiving the highest transfer fee in their history. The following July, he signed for English club Fulham.
By James Agberebi
