- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Dutch giants Ajax have received strong interest from England in the Setford brothers.
The Setford brothers, Charlie and Tommy, are both with Ajax. Charlie is 20 and Tommy 18, both are England youth international – despite being born in Holland.
Last season, the older brother Charlie made 19 appearances for Ajax’s academy side but has yet to be given a chance for the Dutch giants.
As for Tommy Setford, 18, the Englishman has also yet to make a senior appearance at the club but he has a contract until 2025 but HITC understands there is interest from Arsenal in the teenager.
Arsenal make offer for English goalkeeper
Sources have confirmed to HITC that Arsenal are keen on the teenage goalkeeper and have made an offer in the region of £250,000 for him.
As mentioned, his current deal is due to expire in 2025 and the two clubs are now in talks about a potential deal that would see Setford move to the Emirates Stadium. There is also understood to be other Premier League clubs keen on Tommy.
Arsenal have already completed the signing of one goalkeeper this summer as the North London club decided to turn David Raya’s loan move from Brentford into a permanent deal.
There are also question marks surrouding the future of Aaron Ramsdale who was usurped as the club’s number one by Raya.
It’s not just the teenage goalkeeper Tommy who is attracting interest but also the 20-year-old Charlie is too.
Liverpool and Manchester City keen on Setford
Unlike his brother Tommy, Charlie Setford is understood to still have three years remaining on his contract with the Dutch giants.
HITC can reveal there is interest in Charlie from a number of English clubs – including from newly promoted Southampton, who are the club he supports as his father’s family are from the South Coast City.
It is also believed that Manchester City and Liverpool have also scouted the English goalkeeper over the past 12 months.
Setford has previously won Ajax’s famed Talent Of The Year award back in 2022 and seemingly has a good future in the game.
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