Tottenham hope Ajax relationship will offer edge in Matthijs de Ligt transfer race with Toby Alderweireld set for Spurs exit

Tottenham hope their strong connections with Ajax will help them win the battle for defender Matthijs de Ligt, as they prepare for life without Toby Alderweireld.

With Alderweireld almost certain to be sold, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign a centre-half this summer and the club have admired De Ligt since he broke into Ajax’s team in 2016.

It is understood there have already been discussions between the clubs about a possible deal.

But the 18-year-old is also a target for a host of top European clubs, including Manchester City, and Tottenham would have to surpass the club-record £42million they paid Ajax for Davinson Sanchez last summer.

They are also understood to be keen on Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Spurs would not be able to compete in a bidding war for De Ligt with Premier League champions City, who finished 23 points above them, but they are hopeful that their long-established relationship with Ajax will give them the edge.

The relationship between the clubs dates back to at least 2010, when Spurs extensively scouted Luis Suarez, only to decide against pursuing the Uruguay striker.

Although Suarez joined Liverpool in January 2011, Spurs beat Arsenal to a deal for Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen 18 months later and Christian Eriksen followed in 2013.

Sanchez signed last August, despite firm interest from Italy. All three signings have been huge successes and, along with Harry Kane, were among Spurs’ most consistent performers last season.

Alderweireld, who came through the Ajax ranks, has also impressed at Tottenham since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2015, following a season-long loan at Southampton.

Manchester United are interested in the Belgium international, who has refused to sign a new contract, but Spurs are yet to receive any bids.

Spurs also admire Ajax defender Joel Veltman and winger Justin Kluivert, the 19-year-old son of former Barcelona and Holland forward Patrick.

Kluivert has said he will not sign a new contract at the Johan Cruijff Arena and claimed Ajax tried to sell him to Spurs without his consent last summer.

Spurs are not thought be pursuing him this summer.