Chelsea and Man Utd eye Ajax defenders
Ajax have got the joint-best defensive record in the Eredivisie despite enduring a fairly disappointing campaign, so it's no surprise that a number of top Premier League clubs are considering summer approaches for several of their big names.
The Daily Mirror report that Chelsea have set their sights on Dutch international right back Gregory van der Wiel, who was widely expected to move to Bayern Munich after his success in South Africa, only to eventually end up staying at the Amsterdam ArenA.
The story claims that the champions are ready to get rid of Jose Bosingwa, who was impressive in his first season yet has struggled to gain a regular place due to both injury problems and the form of his deputy Branislav Ivanovic, the Serbian defender believed to prefer playing at centre back.
It is speculated that £12 million could be enough to lure the Ajax academy product, which some may consider a bit excessive for a full back, but is arguably a great long-term investment given that he is still just 23 years old.
Roman Abramovich showed a willingness to again be ambitious in his efforts to freshen up Chelsea's supposed ageing squad in January by signing David Luiz and Fernando Torres for a combined sum of around £70 million, endeavour that sees the Blues ranked third favourites for the Champions League at [7.6].
Their quarter-final opponents Manchester United ([10.0]) aren't expected to take it easy during pre-season despite being [1.62] to regain the Premier League title, with the Mirror suggesting that they are keeping tabs on another member of the Ajax back four, the rather prolific Jan Vertonghen.
No potential fee is mention for the 23-year-old Belgian centre back, who can also play in midfield, however the Mirror indicate that the Red Devils face competition from Arsenal. The Gunners signed his international team-mate Thomas Vermaelen from the Dutch giants two years ago.
Would these defenders make it at Big Four clubs? Have your say below...
Published: 30 Mar 2011
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