Chelsea, Tottenham tracking next talent from impressive production line

Dusan Tadic giving Ajax armband to Jurrien Timber

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber, according to a report.

There is a famous production line of talent at Ajax, with both Chelsea and Tottenham taking advantage in recent years. For example, the Blues signed Hakim Ziyech last summer from the Dutch giants, while Spurs have taken the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen from them in years gone by.

Ajax continue to provide a platform for young prospects and one of the latest to emerge has been Timber. A right-back, he became a first-team regular last season after making his debut in the previous campaign.

He has quickly established himself, starting all three of their Eredivisie games so far in the new season. The 20-year-old seems like someone whose stock will only continue to rise in the coming months and years.

With that in mind, Ajax may be bracing themselves for offers for his services in the future. Now, it has emerged that he has two concrete suitors in the Premier League.

Jurrien Timber playing for the Netherlands

A report on 90min states that Chelsea and Tottenham are keeping tabs on Timber. Elsewhere in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain are admirers, as are Monaco, Lyon, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Timber remains under contract until 2024 with Ajax, where he would be happy to stay. But he is supposedly aware of the mounting interest in his signature.

Chelsea and Tottenham eye Timber

Chelsea considered signing a specialist right wing-back over the summer. They have Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James, two reliable servants, to share the responsibilities there at present.

But both – in particular Azpilicueta – can also play as a central defender in their back three. Therefore, they may see Timber as someone to fulfil the wider position that they wanted Achraf Hakimi to fill before he chose to join PSG from Inter Milan instead.

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Tottenham, meanwhile, did manage to make a right-back signing late in the transfer window. Emerson Royal arrived from Barcelona to replace Serge Aurier, whose contract was terminated.

But Matt Doherty could be on thin ice if his form does not improve after an underwhelming debut season in the capital. Therefore, Spurs may be making contingency plans in case they need another right-sided defender.

The competition for Timber is strong, though, so both clubs will have to make convincing pitches to him if they are to negotiate in future.

For now, the Dutchman – who has six international caps to his name so far – will keep building experience in his native country.

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