Ajax defender Joel Veltman has commented on speculation surrounding a move to West Ham.
Ajax defender Joel Veltman has been quoted by soccernews.nl as saying that a move to West Ham United isn’t going to happen before next week’s transfer deadline.
Veltman, 24, has been on the books with Ajax since 2001, and he’s come up through the Amsterdam side’s famed academy over the last 15 years.
Austria’s Jakob Jantscher and Netherland’s Joel Veltman in action
Since making his debut in 2012, Veltman has made almost 150 appearances for the club, and he’s even become a regular for the Netherlands national team, earning 13 caps for his country.
Unsurprisingly, Veltman’s performances have triggered interest in his signature, as The Mirror reported earlier this month that West Ham United were keen to land Veltman.
Capable of playing at right back or centre back, Veltman was allegedly seen as the man who could help solidify the West Ham defence, as he plays in two position that have been a concern for Slaven Bilic.
Ajax defender Joel Veltman challenges Fenerbahce striker Robin van Persie
However, whilst West Ham were allegedly keen on an £8million deal for Veltman, they have since spent the same amount on signing Portuguese centre back Jose Fonte from Southampton.
Whilst Bilic may still be keen to add another right back, Sam Byram has impressed in the last couple of games, meaning the prospect of a move for Veltman appears to be dwindling.
Now, Veltman has been quoted by soccernews.nl as saying that he hasn’t heard anything concrete about a move to West Ham, and doesn’t think a deal will now be done in the time until next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
“When do I go to London? I still haven’t heard anything concrete” said Veltman. “That’s not going to happen within eight days,” he said after the game.
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