Eriksen falls for 'Guardiola is on the phone' prank
Already out of this season’s Champion’s League and currently residing a disappointing fourth in the Eredivisie Ajax are undergoing a mini-crisis of late. Whilst this may be bleak news for fans of de Godenzonen it offers encouragement to a number of Premier League clubs who are watching developments closely and eyeing up their young talent.
North London rivals Spurs and Arsenal are both considering January bids in the region of ten million for 24-year old centre-back Jan Vertonghen with the latter holding a long-term interest in the impressive Belgian. Both clubs would need to convince the player of their own Champion’s League aspirations however if they are to have a realistic chance of swooping for the Ajax vice-captain.
Liverpool meanwhile are reportedly weighing up a similarly priced bid for Serbian striker Miralem Sulejmani who has been on fire this term. The versatile front man – who is equally adept on the right flank which has been a problem area for the Reds – agreed to a year-long loan deal at West Ham in 2010 before work permit complications stymied the move. Such a hindrance will not apply to a permanent deal.
Liverpool are desperate to add to their attacking options who continually create numerous chances but remain generally goal-shy. The Belgrade-born hit-man has been ear-marked by Director of Football Damien Comolli as the possible solution.
Expect the bidding to start at £18M for one of the most talented right-backs around.
Perhaps the most likely departure from the Amsterdam Arena in the forthcoming transfer window is also the biggest bank-buster with full-back Gregory Van Der Wiel alerting both Chelsea and Manchester City by playing hardball over a contract extension. The flying Dutchman has been on each club’s radar for some considerable time but it’s the Londoners who are clear favourites in the race for his signature. Expect the bidding to start at £18M for one of the most talented right-backs around whose attacking verve would perfectly compliment Andre Villas-Boas’ stylish new-look Chelsea.
Lastly we come to perhaps the most talented of the crop, Danish teenage sensation Christian Eriksen, who is surely destined for a big-money move either in January or next summer. The midfielder rebuffed a firm Manchester City offer last July citing a preference to concentrate of his first-team education in Holland over joining a squad already well-stocked with established quality. While nothing has changed in this regard both City and United have not failed to notice the youngster’s recent comments about seeking a high-profile move in the near-future, staking Barcelona as his dream destination.
While it is unknown whether any of the above will occur next month it is almost certain that all four will be heading to new surroundings before next season. Which of them will showcase their talents on British shores? The Ajax exodus is set to begin.
