‘Difficult deal’ - Ajax stance revealed on £43m Newcastle United transfer target

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Newcastle United will face a serious challenge if they choose to move for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.

The Mexican international is currently on World Cup duty and will hope to help his side progress into the knockout stages of the tournament by claiming a win against Saudi Arabia later on tonight. Even a win may not be enough if the result in Poland’s meeting with Argentina does not fall their way.

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The combative midfielder has impressed ever since joining Ajax in a £14.2m move from Club America during the summer of 2019. Over the last three seasons, Alvarez has helped the Dutch giants to two Eredivise titles and was also part of the side that beat Vitesse Arnhem in the final of the KNVB Cup in April last year.

His form for club and country has captured the attention of several clubs around Europe, with Newcastle believed to have had representatives at Ajax games on a number of occasions over the last six months. The Magpies and Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United were strongly linked with Alvarez during the summer transfer window but he remained with Ajax.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has delivered an insight into Ajax’s stance on a possible sale after delivering an update on Chelsea’s possible move for West Ham United and England star Declan Rice.

Romano told Caught Offside: “I reported last summer that Declan Rice was not going to sign a new deal with West Ham and this is still the case; no agreement, so there are good chances for Declan to leave in the summer. I’m not sure about the price tag yet, as West Ham have not decided and they still feel strong on the price having an option to extend the contract for one more year.

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“Edson Alvarez is also one of the players Chelsea appreciate, but talks are not ongoing now. It’s been quiet since August but I’m sure that in 2023 many clubs will keep an eye on him in the Premier League. Chelsea tried to sign him in the summer but Ajax were clear they did not want to sell, and it could remain a difficult deal.”