De Telegraaf name exact amount for Lutsharel Geertruida: 'Ajax perhaps do have the means'

Ajax have entered the race for Lutsharel Geertruida, De Telegraaf confirmed on Thursday after earlier reports from Germany.

According to the morning newspaper, the Amsterdam club made an approach to RB Leipzig on Wednesday. PSV's interest in taking the Rotterdam defender on loan was already known, but die Roten Bullen would prefer a permanent deal.

"If Mika Godts is sold to PSG, Ajax may well have the means to pay the transfer fee of around 18 million," club watcher Mike Verweij writes. A loan proposal is also said to be on the table.

Ajax want another right-footed centre-back. It has long been clear that there is no future in the Johan Cruijff ArenA for Ko Itakura and Josip Sutalo.

Geertruida, 26, is under contract in Leipzig until mid-2029. He previously made 202 official appearances for Feyenoord.

Any move for Geertruida to Ajax or PSV would be highly sensitive. The Netherlands international remains hugely popular in Rotterdam-Zuid.

He could also choose a move abroad. Last season he played on loan for Sunderland.