West Ham have been linked to Ajax defender.
West Ham have this week been linked with a move for Ajax defender Joel Veltman, with The Mirror reporting their interest.
Veltman, 25, is a regular for Ajax and has made more than 150 appearances for the club to date, also winning international caps for Holland.
He is predominantly a centre-back, but his versatility to cover at right-back makes him even more of an attractive potential addition.
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The price cited in The Mirror‘s article is £8 million, which would be a bargain if the Hammers could get Ajax to agree, but it may not be easy.
Previously they have been resistant to a move, with The Express linking rivals West Ham’s rivals Tottenham with a £15 million move back in 2014.
Earlier the same year, Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars had pledged to do everything possible to prevent Veltman leaving the club.
Austria’s Jakob Jantscher and Netherland’s Joel Veltman in action.
He told SkySports, responding to interest from Arsenal and Manchester United: “We are constantly working on a puzzle and every time you have it almost complete, it can fall apart, because a piece is snapped up.
“I’m going to the gate and lie in front of it when they come for Joel Veltman or Davy Klaassen.
“I love Ajax being attractive for a transfer, but these guys do not get out of here.”
Three years on, ex-Arsenal hero Overmars is still in the same role at Ajax, and both Veltman and Klaassen remain. He has been a man of his word.
If West Ham are to prise Veltman away, it might take more than £8 million.
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