Fulham are set to strengthen their defence by signing Calvin Bassey from Ajax for €21m (£18.2m). Negotiations over a fee have moved swiftly and Bassey is due to discuss personal terms. Fulham had a bid of £15m for the centre-back rejected last week but the clubs have come to an agreement.

Brighton were also interested in Bassey, who joined Ajax from Rangers last year, but are set to sign Igor from Fiorentina instead.

Bassey won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021 and will add more depth to Fulham’s backline. The 23-year-old is a Nigeria international and has experience of playing in the Champions League for Ajax.

Fulham are on a pre-season tour of the US and face a fight to convince their manager, Marco Silva, not to accept an offer to join Al-Ahli. The Saudi Pro League club have offered Silva £34.7m for a two-year deal.

Fulham have re-signed Willian and remain interested in Callum Hudson-Odoi despite having an offer for the Chelsea winger rejected last weekend.

Chelsea could bolster their midfield options by signing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax after entering into talks with the Dutch club over a potential deal for the Ghana international.