Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey could be set to join Ajax on a free transfer in the summer.
That’s according to Africa Foot, who report that the defender is about to leave Brighton and should join the Dutch giants.
They explain that the 24-year-old is out of contract with Brighton in the summer and is expected to leave on a free rather than extend his deal.
Ajax want to get ahead of competition from Everton, West Ham, Wolves and Fulham by securing a pre-contract agreement with the defender now. That is something the Premier League sides cannot do.
A ‘high source’ close to the Lamptey family, who also acts as the Brighton man’s representative, has now confirmed that Ajax have made an approach and offered him a four-year deal.
“Ajax has contacted Tariq (Lamptey), because at this stage of his contract, he is authorized to speak to other contenders,” they are quoted as saying.
“They seriously plan to ensure its services on a four -year contract, because they are particularly satisfied with its versatility, your energy and its speed. It is still at the beginning, but the signs of a change are positive at this stage.”
Of course, whether Lamptey chooses to accept the offer on the table remains to be seen, with Ajax not quite the attractive destination it once was.
Indeed, with Premier League interest on the table, albeit from sides battling in mid-table, he may prefer to wait until the summer to decide his future before rushing into a pre-contract agreement now.
That’s not stopping the Dutch side, though, who seem to be willing to put the effort in now to try and get ahead of the competition.
