Ajax reach Van der Hoorn agreement

Ajax have agreed to sign young defender Mike van der Hoorn from FC Utrecht subject to a medical examination.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2012-13, making 31 league appearances for the Stadion Galgenwaard outfit as they finished fifth in the Eredivisie.

His form over that period has caught the eye of reigning champions Ajax, and the centre-back is now close to completing a move to the Amsterdam Arena.

Van der Hoorn, who represented the Netherlands at the UEFA Under-21 European Championships, will sign a four-year deal at the Amsterdam Arena should he pass a medical.

Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has been strongly linked with a move away from the club – though Bayer Leverkusen recently pulled out of the race for his signature – and could now be free to depart.

Van der Hoorn would become Frank de Boer’s third signing of the off-season – with the arrivals of Eyong Enoh and Dico Koppers already confirmed – when his move is finalised.