Friday, 16th August, 2013
In-demand Ajax centre-back Toby Alderweireld has admitted that, all things being equal, he would rather go to England than Russia.
Spartak Moscow have made a concrete bid for the defender, who has just one year left on his contract at Ajax, and Alderweireld's former team-mate Aras Ozbiliz has been working overtime to convince the Belgian to head to Russia.
But, having been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League, England looms large on Alderweireld's mind – which is one reason he is not ready to make a quick decision.
"It is important that I can take a step forward", Alderweireld told Het Nieuwsblad.
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"Spartak Moscow is an option, but I'll have to think.
"You know, Russia is far from home, but then the level is higher than in the Netherlands.
"To be honest, I do prefer England over Russia.
"Every footballer dreams of playing football in the Premier League. Everton, Tottenham, Newcastle? We will see what options I have.
"At Ajax I am pretty sure of my place. And a year before the World Cup that is also an important point."
Ajax stand ready to cash in on Alderweireld for the right price, given his expiring contract.
The defender has already snubbed a switch to Norwich City this summer, while he could not find an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen, who also felt Ajax's asking price was too high.
The defender will cost interested clubs around €7m.
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