“I’d chain him up” – Former Blackburn boss warns against cashing in on Chelsea-linked Super Eagles star

A breakthrough season in the Premiership has seen one of Nigeria's most talented youngsters in Europe become the darling of several top clubs

Glasgow Rangers legend Barry Ferguson has charged his former club to do whatever it takes to keep hold of Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey in the face of tempting offers this summer.

Bassey enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at the Ibrox, going from a familiar name on the substitute bench to the first on the team sheet as Rangers chased domestic and continental titles.

The 22-year-old's excellent displays fueled his inclusion in the Europa League Team of the Season, as the Gers finished runners-up to Eintracht Frankfurt in the competition.

Bassey also lifted the Scottish Cup with the Gers after picking the man-of-the-match award in the final against Hearts.

London giants Chelsea and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have reportedly looked at a player who did not even make a senior appearance for Leicester City before leaving the King Power Stadium two years ago. Borussia Dortmund and Fulham have also been credited with an interest in the exciting full-back.

Ferguson expects more offers to come in for Bassey this summer. Still, the former Blackburn Rovers caretaker-manager would like to see the versatile Super Eagles defender continue his development in Glasgow at least for one more year.

“I'd chain him up. Anything just to make sure he doesn't leave,” Ferguson told Go Radio Football Show (via Football Scotland).

“Last year I was in awe of him; I’ve got to be honest with you.

“Some of the performances he puts in and he’s still got a bit to learn, he’s still got a bit to go.

“But he’s got everything you want as a modern-day defender. He can play a number of positions, he can play left-back, he can play left wing-back and he can play left of a three or left of a two.

“His engine is frightening and he’s just getting better and better and better.

“If I was going to give him a bit of advice, he should stay and keep playing week-in and week-out because his chance will come if he wants to go down south to the Premier League, there’s no doubt about it.

“But for his development, it’s important he stays at Rangers for another year and I’m sure Rangers will be trying to tie him down on a long-term contract to get the best money for next season or the season after.”

In April, Bassey claimed the Rangers’ Young Player of the Year award, and weeks later, he was named the Revelation of the Year at the Baller Awards.