Ajax manager Maurice Steijn has insisted he wants Mohamed Kudus to remain at the club this summer, with West Ham United continued to push for his signature.
The Dutch coach has been speaking to VTBL, relayed by Ajax Showtime, regarding the situation at the club at present and potential further outgoings from the squad.
Kudus is the likeliest to join the list of high-profile names to have departed, with West Ham keen on his signature as they spend the money brought in from the sale of Declan Rice.
Reports in England have claimed that the Hammers are getting ever close to sealing a deal with Ajax for the midfielder that would be worth around £40m.
Should that be agreed Kudus would be the latest departure in a busy summer for Ajax that has seen Jurrien Timber, Edson Alvarez, Calvin Bassey and Dusan Tadic leave among others.
It means work will need to be done to strengthen the squad if Kudus does depart for West Ham, although Steijn is clear he would prefer for that not to happen.
“At the moment he is. It is very clear that he will be there for this two-match fixture,” he said, referring to the Europa League double-header against Ludogorets.
“I hope he stays with us. As for the rest, that’s something on Sven (Mislintat)’s plate – in combination with potentially interested clubs. That goes beyond me. Everyone within the club and also Mo himself knows that I very much want him to stay.
“Yesterday (Tuesday, ed.) I saw the best Kudus so far at training. He is focused to play well. That one is ready.”
