Man Utd target Calvin Bassey ‘fits the bill’, says former chief scout Mick Brown

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown says the club’s reported interest in Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is understandable, with the Nigeria international viewed as a potential solution to their weakness on the left side of defence.

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Bassey ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window after his consistent performances for Fulham. The defender joined the Cottagers from Dutch giants Ajax and has since become an important part of their team at Craven Cottage.

Brown believes Bassey’s physical strength, defensive reliability and ability to play with the ball make him a suitable candidate for Manchester United.

“Calvin Bassey is a player I’ve admired for a long time, even back when he played for Rangers,” Brown told Football Insider.

“I thought he was excellent there, so physically dominant, but also comfortable on the ball, could play at left-back as well, and he’s improved since he joined Fulham.”

Bassey has also played for Leicester City and has established himself as a regular in the Premier League. Brown said the defender’s experience and importance to Fulham would make him a valuable addition to Manchester United’s squad.

“Now, he’s got plenty of experience in the Premier League, is playing every week for Fulham as one of their most important players, and is a real top defender,” he added.

“So it comes as no surprise to me that he is on Man United’s radar, because he fits the bill of what they’re looking to bring in.”

Bassey viewed as an upgrade

Brown said Manchester United need a left-sided defender and argued that Bassey would improve the options currently available to the club in that position.

“They want a left-sided defender because it’s an area where they are really weak, and Bassey is somebody who would be an upgrade on the players they’ve already got.”

Fulham, however, would be reluctant to lose one of their key players. Brown expects the club to resist a move but believes Bassey could be open to a transfer if Manchester United make a suitable offer.

“Obviously Fulham aren’t going to want to let him go, but I think there is every chance he could be tempted to leave if Man United make an offer,” Brown concluded.

Bassey’s future has become a talking point because of uncertainty over his contract at Craven Cottage. His current agreement is due to expire at the end of the season, although Fulham have a one-year extension option.

Despite the difficulty of reaching an agreement, Manchester United are expected to continue pursuing their interest as they attempt to persuade the Super Eagles defender to move to Old Trafford.