West Ham United are reportedly in the market for Rangers defender Calvin Bassey, as David Moyes eyes defensive reinforcements.
According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham United have expressed interest in Calvin Bassey. The Rangers left-back has become a sought-after prospect in the Scottish market after making an impression in the Premiership. He has been on the radar of David Moyes for quite some time now, with the former Manchester United boss notably eyeing him since 2020.
After Bassey’s two successful years at Rangers, Moyes is prepared to re-enter the market for the 22-year-old in the summer. The West Ham manager is believed to be keen on signing a left-footed defender amid fears over the future of certain players in the team, including Declan Rice. While Rice is a midfielder by trade, the influential number six is currently on the radar of two Manchester giants.
In addition to Rice, West Ham are set to face a battle to keep hold of Issa Diop. The Frenchman is reportedly courted by Paris Saint-Germain, thus accentuating the need for a new defender that can provide competition to the current first-team options.
Bassey could be an interesting option, having enjoyed immense success since his move to Rangers in the summer of 2020. While the defender made only seven appearances in his debut campaign in the Premiership, he has become an ever-present figure in the Rangers backline this term, racking up 19 league appearances.
Although he is a left-back by trade, Bassey is a versatile defender who is capable of operating as a centre-back. His strong left foot allows him to effortlessly switch between a left-back and a left-sided centre-back role, meaning the 22-year-old could seamlessly fit into a back-three if required.
From a tactical perspective, the Nigerian defender could prove to be a useful alternative not only to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, but also the two full-backs in Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell. It makes him a useful option for David Moyes as he looks to add some much-needed depth in the defensive unit next season.
However, the Rangers starlet is not the only option for West Ham, who are expected to splash the cash on a new defender next summer. One of their more ambitious targets is Arsenal loanee William Saliba, with David Moyes reportedly weighing up a €30 million bid.
