Tottenham Hotspur are now rivalling Chelsea for the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber ahead of the January transfer window.
That’s according to a new report from 90Min. They claim that interest in Timber is now mounting both in the Premier League and in the rest of Europe.
Timber is under contract until 2024, which means Ajax aren’t under pressure to sell.
Still, Timber allegedly knows of the clubs who want him, and Tottenham could move ahead of January.
Who is Tottenham target Jurrien Timber?
Timber, 20, has come up through the Ajax ranks having joined from rivals Feyenoord in 2014.
The youngster became a first-team regular at Ajax last season, and even played for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
90Min’s report claims Timber has been compared to William Gallas – formerly of both Chelsea and Tottenham.
Capable of playing at centre back or right back, Timber has defensive versatility. He’s quick and capable on the ball, like many Ajax graduates, though isn’t the tallest defender at 5ft 10in.
Chelsea and Tottenham battle for another defender
This isn’t the first time Chelsea and Tottenham have battled for a defender.
Fabio Paratici wanted to bring Jules Kounde to Tottenham. That didn’t happen, and Chelsea then moved in – but they couldn’t sign Kounde either.
There are parallels to Timber, who has been branded ‘fantastic’ by Frank de Boer.
Both are relatively small but quick defenders who can fill in at right back.
Timber may be seen as a cheaper alternative to Kounde, with Tottenham and Chelsea ready to go head-to-head again.
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