Kik Pierie looked set to leave Heerenveen for Eredivisie rivals Ajax but a move to the Premier League with Southampton cannot be ruled out.
Southampton are interested in signing the highly rated Heerenveen defender Kik Pierie despite claims over the weekend stating that the youngster was bound for Ajax, as reported by Calciomercato.
A Netherlands U19 international born in Boston, USA, Pierie has established himself as a regular starter for the Friesland club thanks to his ability to play at centre-half and left-back.
The 18-year-old has made 24 Eredivisie appearances this season.
Calciomercato believes that Southampton are interested in the teenager with the South Coast club looking to raid the Dutch top flight yet again. The likes of Dusan Tadic, Jordie Clasie and Grazione Pelle all arrived at St Mary’s from Holland in recent seasons.
But Ajax appear to be leading the chase as it stands. As reported by Voetbal International, it is only a ‘matter of time’ before Pierie joins the Amsterdam giants with sporting director Marc Overmars working hard on the deal.
“I can confirm that the conversations are ongoing,” admitted Heerenveen’s technical manager Gerry Hamstra.
“Ajax is a fantastic club, that is a fact,” Pierie himself told De Telegraaf last week. “They are interested and whether it will continue, I don’t know. And yes, I think it’s a club that suits me. “
Southampton will have to work hard, then, if they are to overtake Ajax in the pursuit of one of Holland’s most impressive young defenders.
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