Dutch influx for Premier League

Wednesday, 18/08/2010

Yesterday's revelation that Ajax will actively seek to sell their star players if they fail to reach the Champions League group stages – a fate that hangs in the balance after a 1-1 away draw with Dynamo Kyiv – has got a host of Premier League clubs chomping at the bit.

Uruguay star Luis Suarez, top scorer in Europe last term with 49 goals (he's already scored twice this season), has a wide array of suitors, with Aston Villa the latest to be linked after the sale of James Milner, though Tottenham would provide competition should they secure their own Champions League progression.

Flying full-back Gregory van der Wiel is admired by both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, as is keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Belgium centre back Jan Vertonghen is another catching Wenger's eye, particular with the Gunners' defensive frailties.

The admission, while sparking various bidding wars in the Premier League, will not be music to the ears of Martin Jol, who has becoming increasingly unsettled with the club's transfer policy. His desire to push through a move to Fulham last month was blocked, but the sale of key men could prompt him to follow them to England – particularly with the Villa vacancy.

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