Ajax defender Joel Veltman has been linked with a move to Tottenham.
Ajax’s Joel Veltman in action with Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini
Ajax defender Joel Veltman has been quoted by Goal as saying that Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen has been joking about the pair being team-mates.
The Netherlands picked up a thumping 5-0 win over Luxembourg at De Kuip on Friday night, thanks to goals from Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Georginio Wijnaldum, Quincy Promes and Vincent Janssen.
Ajax’s Joel Veltman in action with Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The game also saw Ajax defender Joel Veltman start at right back, amid strong speculation surrounding his future at the Amsterdam Arena and a possible move to the Premier League.
The London Evening Standard reported on Friday that Tottenham Hotspur are prioritising a move to sign Veltman, which could cost around £8million, given that his contract expires in 2018.
Veltman, 25, would give Spurs real depth at the back given that he can play at right back and centre back, whilst he could also join former Ajax defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in the Tottenham defence.
Ajax defender Joel Veltman challenges Robin van Persie
As Spurs plot a move for Veltman, the defender was asked about his future after Friday’s 5-0 win for the Netherlands – and his answer will be of interest to Spurs fans.
Veltman revealed that Tottenham striker and Netherlands team-mate Vincent Janssen has been joking with him that they will be playing together with Spurs next season, though he did add that there is nothing concrete.
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen celebrates scoring
Veltman, as quoted by Goal, added that whilst it’s nice to have the offer of a new deal from Ajax, he thinks it may be time to move on, with no major hurry for him to leave Amsterdam this summer.
“Vincent Janssen has already joked that we will be team-mates, but at the moment there is nothing concrete,” said Veltman. “Normally it is or sign a new deal or leave, as I have only one year left. After my holiday there will be clarity, but the incentive to take a step up is now bigger than before.”
“The offer is a nice signal from Ajax, they want me to stay, but maybe it’s a great time to look elsewhere. But I have to find the right club. Nothing is concrete just now. I’m waiting for it and I’m not in a hurry,” he added
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