Blind wants clarity on Ajax future

Daley Blind is eager to secure a contract extension with Eredivisie champions Ajax.

The defender’s current deal with the Dutch giants is due to expire at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.

“I had a brief chat with the coach before pre-season kicked off. I intend to sign a new deal with Ajax, and the club have the same intention,” Blind told De Telegraaf.

“I’m only focusing in playing football for now, though. I will have to grab every chance I get. I have to convince the coach that I have what it takes to replace Jan (Vertonghen). I know that I have the quality.”

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said that his side are ready to open contract talks with the 22-year-old, and is hopeful he will be able to follow in the footsteps of Vertonghen, who left for Tottenham Hotspur this off-season.

“Daley is not as quick and strong as Jan just yet, but it’s up to us whether he can reach that level,” the former Netherlands international said. “We will open talks as soon as we’ve wrapped up our other transfer dealings.”

Blind has made 36 Eredivisie appearances for Ajax to date.