Ajax coach Maurice Steijn claims he advised Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey to accept an offer from Premier League club Fulham.

Fulham and Ajax have reached an agreement for the transfer of the versatile defender to the London club.

The Whites will pay €21 million, including add-ons, for the player.

Bassey initially objected to the move, but Steijn claimed he persuaded him to leave.

“I told Calvin Bassey it would be better to leave Ajax,” the Ajax coach told Telegraaf.

“Also because of the money. When he leaves, we can strengthen the squad properly. I have told him this honestly.”

The 23-year-old is now close to completing a transfer to Fulham.

He is expected to agree on personal terms and sign the contract after undergoing a routine medical.