CHELSEA have held talks over Ajax star Jorrel Hato to bolster their defence, according to reports.
The Blues are willing to pay around £40million for the versatile Dutchman, 19, claim talkSPORT.
But that is some way off the Eredivisie club’s £60m valuation, with Hato under contract until 2028.
Hato’s ability to play both centre-back or left-back makes him appealing to Chelsea, who are flush with cash after winning the Club World Cup.
However the teenager has said he feels “at home” in Amsterdam.
Liverpool have also been linked with Hato, with former captain Jordan Henderson – who played alongside him at Ajax – calling him a “fantastic player”.
Last year Hato won the Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year in Holland, after playing 50 games for his club.
He also has six international caps.
Hato represented his country this summer at the Euro U21s, where Holland were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual winners England.
He was only 16 when he made his debut for Ajax, and was the youngest player to hit 100 games at just 18 years old.
He has also worn the captain’s armband, becoming the club’s youngest captain ever at 17 years and 250 days.
Chelsea see Hato as cover for Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniard has become a key part of Enzo Maresca’s side but risks burning out by playing every game.
Renato Veiga had been brought in last summer to deputise for Cucurella.
But the Portugal international demanded an exit for first-team football in January and spent the second half of the season on loan at Juventus.
Veiga thought he was then going to be reinstated in the squad for the Club World Cup.
But he was left out of the victorious group, sparking serious doubts over his Stamford Bridge future.
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