Everton are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Ajax’s teenage star Charlie Setford, who could be available on a free transfer as he enters the last few months of his existing deal.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper has seen both Everton and Spurs linking him with a move to the Premier League, while a host of other European clubs are also keeping tabs on the youngster, including Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco.
Setford, who is half-English, half-Dutch, has represented England at U18 level, and is highly regarded at Ajax’s renowned academy, picking up the ‘Talent of the Future’ accolade last season.
Yet to make a senior appearance for the Eredivisie giants, the keeper has featured for Jong Ajax in the Dutch second tier.
Indeed, with a number of top clubs eager to tie down the teenager, Everton alongside fellow Premier League side Spurs may have a slight advantage over those in other European leagues, with the promising young player revealing that he dreams of playing in the English top-flight in a March 2022 interview.
Setford said, “I am at Ajax at the moment and my focus is completely there. But the Premier League is the biggest league in the world and eventually, I do want to make that step. That – and playing for England – are big dreams for me.”
The Ajax star is certainly a talent with the world at his feet and would be a coup signing for Everton, should the Blues convince him to make the move to Goodison Park. Indeed, it is not the first time Frank Lampard’s side have been linked with a move for a young goalkeeper.
The Toffees recently agreed a deal for Cork City goalkeeper David Harrington, but an injury to the 22-year-old saw the move collapse, and the Irishman has subsequently agreed to join League 1 Fleetwood Town.