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Southampton lead hunt for talented Ajax stopper tipped for top – EXCLUSIVE

Jong Ajax,Jong Ajax keeper Charlie Setford during the match Den Bosch

Southampton are showing an interest in Ajax goalkeeper Charlie Setford, TEAMtalk has been informed.

The England youth international was born in Holland and has come through the famed Ajax academy.

Setford is the son of professional golfer Chris Setford, and his family were based in Holland. However, he is originally from Southampton.

Indeed, 17-year-old Setford has grown up as a Saints fan and recently pledged his international future to England.

Now, with his profile in the game on the rise, a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.

But we understand it is Southampton who lead the chase and they are considering an approach.

Setford has already made the bench for Ajax at senior level. He also has a younger brother, Tommy, who is also a goalkeeper and is part of Ajax’s academy too.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has shown in the past that he is not afraid to bring in some of the game’s most talented youngsters.

Indeed, one success story on the south coast this season has been the form of rampaging full-back Tino Livramento.

Hasenhuttl wants protection for Livramento

Statistics show that former Chelsea man Livramento is one of the most fouled players in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, the tenager had to pull out of England Under-21 duty following a bruising encounter with Aston Villa a fortnight ago.

Southampton need to target a winger

Southampton need to target a winger

The Saints should look to invest in a winger in January.

In that match, Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi was booked for an early foul on Livramento. However, the Dutchman escaped further punishment for a couple of other late challenges.

Hasenhuttl though feels that Livramento needs more protection from referees.

He said: “That means that he doesn’t stop going one-on-one when he has the chance to do it.

“He is super quick when he has the ball and when he is passing the players, the only chance they have is to sometimes make a foul because otherwise he’s gone.

“This is a big strength of ours this season, and we have to use him as often as possible.

“It’s always a good sign that he’s lively and hard to stop. As long as he’s not injured after this, it’s OK.

“We must take care of him and the referees should also take care of him when there is a situation like the last game when his opponent should have been sent off after 30 minutes.

“They must have open eyes for these situations. But, for him, I’m not scared because he likes to do this and he has all the ability to do this. It’s what I want to see.”

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