'Colwill deal complicated' - Romano reveals why Brighton have turned focus to Bassey 

Italian transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Brighton & Hove's pursuit of Ajax Amsterdam central defender Calvin Bassey. 

The Seagulls have reignited their interest in the Nigeria national teamer after missing out on his services last summer. 

Brighton are looking at signing Bassey as an alternative to Chelsea central defender Levi Colwill, who spent the entirety of last season on loan at the Seagulls. 

Brighton want to re-engage Colwill for next season, this time on a full deal, but Chelsea have insisted that the England U21 international is not for sale. 

It is believed that Bassey will command a moderate transfer fee if he were to return to England considering the fact that he is a homegrown player, having spent the formative years of his career at Leicester City.

Romano has revealed that Brighton & Hove are waiting for Ajax Amsterdam to clarify a potential asking price for the 23-year-old, who is appreciated by Seagulls manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Writing on social media, he said: "Brighton have already started contacts for Calvin Bassey as new centre back. Levi Colwill deal looks complicated as Chelsea don't change their position: he's not for sale. 

"De Zerbi appreciates Bassey, waiting for Ajax to clarify potential asking price."

Bassey was not totally convincing in his first season in the Netherlands and lost his place in Ajax's starting lineup after the dismissal of Alfred Schreuder. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: ajax.nl

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