Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is desperate to sign a new left back with Leicester’s Ben Chilwell and Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico in his transfer shortlist.
Ben Chilwell is Lampard’s top transfer target but with Leicester City demanding a mammoth fee for the left-back, Tagliafico is being eyed as an alternative. The Ajax left-back is available for a fee of just £22.5 million.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has admitted the 27 year old left-back will be allowed to leave Ajax this summer because of his age.
He told Het Parool via Voetbal: “For [Andre] Onana and [Donny] Van de Beek, another year at Ajax could certainly be an option, for Tagliafico – because of his age – something different. “In preparation I will try Lisandro Martinez at that position.”
Ricardo Schlieper, the agent of the Ajax left-back had previously confirmed Tagliafico will be allowed to leave Ajax this summer.
He said: “We are looking for a transfer for Tagliafico. “We have agreed with Ajax that he would leave this year. After having spent two and a half seasons at the club, it’s the ideal moment for it.
“If football goes back to being normal, a transfer could be done for Tagliafico. “There are clubs that are interested but we have to see how everything pans out with football and the pandemic. “I will never mention a name of the club we are speaking with because it hurts the negotiations for us and the player.”