Have a Premier League side swooped for the 24-year-old centre-half…?
Ajax’s director of football Marc Overmars has confirmed his side has received an offer for Belgian centre-half Toby Alderwiereld, and expects to do business with the unnamed club, reports The Daily Mail.
“We have received an offer,” Overmars told Dutch publication De Telegraaf.
“We won’t give any names as we are still in talks. But, just like with Norwich City earlier, I expect we can work out a deal with this club.”
The 24-year-old stopper has been linked with various Premier League clubs throughout the summer, including Liverpool, Tottenham, Norwich and Everton.
The Reds are desperate to bring in a long-term replacement to partner Daniel Agger following Jamie Carragher’s retirement. Tottenham are short at centre-half after selling young Englishman Steven Caulker to Cardiff City, and while Norwich had a bid accepted for Alderwiereld, they failed to agree personal terms with the defender. Everton’s new boss Roberto Martinez is also keen to shore up the defence, and would need another proven centre-back for his favoured five-man defence.
With Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman occupying the wing-back slots, Alderiwereld could form a formidable defensive trio with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.
Alderwiereld is rangy, and while being technically capable, he is not afraid of the physical nature of defending. His versatility makes him a real asset for any squad, as he is equally adept at right-back. Belgian counterparts Thomas Vermaelen, Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen all currently star in central defence for top Premier League sides, and Alderwiereld would hope to make a similarly smooth transition.