Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs who could scupper Everton’s hopes of landing the Dutchman.
Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt makes a tackle (right)
Everton are weighing up a move for Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt, the Sunday People reports (09/04, p49).
The Toffees, however, could face competition from rival Premier League clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs, United and City.
De Ligt made his Ajax debut at the start of the campaign and has played 15 times in total, finishing on the losing side just once.
Despite not turning 18 for another four months, De Ligt has already been capped by the Netherlands at senior level, although his debut in last month’s defeat to Bulgaria was cut short after 45 minutes with the centre-back at fault for both goals conceded.
Everton are expected to add to their back-line this summer with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams not getting any younger, and De Ligt’s arrival would help to significantly reduce its average age.
And though rival interest could threaten Everton’s pursuit, the Merseyside club could have the upper hand given the willingness of manager Ronald Koeman to blood young talents such as Mason Holgate, Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season.
Everton’s Tom Davies celebrates scoring his side’s first goal against Leicester City
Tottenham’s handling of youth in recent years may also appeal to De Ligt, although his path to the first team could be blocked by the presence of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Kevin Wimmer initially.
Would De Ligt be a good signing for Everton/Tottenham Hotspur?
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