No spending spree for van Bronckhorst despite Bassey ‘windfall’

Despite their Calvin Bassey windfall the Ibrox Tribute Act are refusing to pay £6m for a replacement left-back. 

With less than two weeks to go until they face Union SG in a Champions League qualifier it looks like Borna Barisic will be in Gionvanni van Bronckhorst’s Starting XI. 

Most media outlets are spinning about £19m from Ajax for Bassey, no doubt mainly paid up front with guaranteed add-ons, much like the fees paid by Everton for Nathan Patterson’s 45 minute appearance against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup. 

Bringing in a new left-back would seem an obvious priority but using a favoured old phrase they won’t be held to ransom over Ridvan Yilmaz. 

The Daily Record reports: 

Besiktas will have to drop their £6million asking fee for Ridvan Yilmaz if Rangers are to do a deal. 

The Turkish international left-back has been on the Ibrox club’s radar for some time, but the position has become more of a priority since Calvin Bassey completed his £19million switch to Ajax, landing the Rangers a club record fee in the process. Some of that has already been invested back into the squad. Ben Davies ‘ signing was confirmed ahead of last night’s friendly victory over West Ham United. 

The former Liverpool defender penned a four-year deal after a £3million fee was agreed with the Reds, which could rise to £4million with add-ons. Davies is primarily a left-sided centre back, but can also play one over at full back. However, Gio van Bronckhorst wants a specialist to compete with Borna Barisic. 

Alternatively the cash-rich Tribute Act could meet the asking fee for Yilmaz.

With Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe both crocked Antonio Colak appears certain to start the season against Livingston followed by the Union SG tie.