West Ham United are ‘interested’ in Joël Veltman of Ajax, reported De Telegraaf on Monday.
The 27-year-old saw his first team opportunities limited last season as he made only four starts in the league. De Telegraaf explained the Hammers have already contacted the player’s agency to make their interest known.
Veltman stressed that he is ‘open to a transfer’ in the ongoing window as he has a year left on his contract with the Dutch champions.
A failure to cash in from the centre-back’s sale could see Ajax lose the player for nothing in 2020.
Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars revealed his side’s plans for Veltman, amid interest from Manuel Pellegrini’s side and the defender’s desire to leave the club in the summer transfer window.
“We’d love to keep Joël Veltman this year. Then we’ll let him out of his contract next year, as a player you can also see it as a golden handshake,” Overmars told Dutch newspaper AD.
“He can then join a club of his choice on a free transfer [next summer]. Maybe that would be very attractive for him, if he shows himself this season. For example, by forming a good partnership with Daley Blind, who knows?”
AD backed up West Ham interest, It remains to be seen if Ajax will maintain their stance on Veltman if he continues to push for a move away this summer.
