Defiant Craig Moore insists Calvin Bassey could remain a Rangers player next season if clubs aren't willing to spend big this summer - and reckons there will be more than Aston Villa making bids.
The Nigerian international has been strongly linked with a move away from Ibrox to reunite with former boss Steven Gerrard in the English Premier League after an impressive campaign domestically and en-route to the Europa League final. Bassey rounded off the campaign with top performance for his country during Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games and end of season friendlies.
The 22-year-old is currently enjoying a break before Rangers ' pre-season campaign starting up next week ahead of the Champions League qualifiers as Gio van Bronckhorst looks to reach the group stage. If he is to be taken away from the Europa League finalists, any deal will have to be well in excess of a Rangers' record sale that saw Nathan Patterson head for Everton.
Former Ibrox skipper Moore has urged his side to demand a bumper fee for their prize asset this summer if he is to leave the Scottish Premiership.
However, he reckons clubs will be lining up for a deal, which could see his price skyrocket in a bidding war.
Speaking on Aston Villa 's interest in Bassey, Moore told The Go Radio Football Show: "I think that people are just going to continually be banging on Rangers door, such was the season that he had.
"He struggled for a little bit when he went into a central defensive position, so I think football people will be looking at that and thinking 'by the way, struggled, but how much did he improve'?
"So that's also a great sign for a football player, to show that they have learnt in a season like that.
"He is going to go on to bigger and better things, in terms of finance at some point.
"Personally, I would love to see all the best players at Rangers for as long as possible. Realistically, if someone pays £25million for him he won't be here, but you need to get to that level.
"Otherwise he is going to be a Rangers player and have another sensational season."
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