Crystal Palace to rival Tottenham for £10m-rated Ajax defender

Crystal Palace will lock horns with London rivals Tottenham for the signature of £10m-rated Ajax defender Joel Veltman, reports the London Evening Standard.

Veltman, who was a standout performer for Ajax in their Europa League final defeat to Manchester United last month, has already been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino is keeping the 25-year-old in mind as the club look to fight off interest from Manchester City for Kyle Walker.

However, Tottenham could be about to face competition from Palace, as new manager Frank de Boer looks set to raid his former club of at least one player this summer.

The Eagles have already been heavily linked with a move for Ajax right-back Kenny Tete, who only has 12 months remaining on his existing deal and is free to leave.

Like Tete, De Boer blooded Veltman into the Ajax first-team five years ago and is now keen on a reunion with the Netherlands international as he looks to bolster his Palace squad with youth.

Veltman, who can also play at centre back, enjoyed a stunning campaign for Ajax last season, illustrated by the fact he finished in the WhoScored Eredivisie Team of the Season (7.70 rating).

Furthermore, Veltman won at least 16 more tackles than any other player in the Eredivisie last season (134).

For more stats on Joel Veltman, click here to visit his WhoScored player page