Everton keen on Alderweireld

Everton have made an attempt to sign Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld, according to the player’s agent.

The 24-year-old Belgian has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs in the close-season, including Norwich City, Liverpool and Tottenham.

But Everton – who are continuing to add to their squad under new manager Roberto Martinez – have made their interest firm as they look to bolster their defensive stocks.

Alderweireld has helped Ajax to the last three Eredivisie titles and has established himself as a regular with the Belgium national team as a result.

The player’s agent, Soren Lerby, told Gazet van Antwerpen: “It’s true that Everton have made an approach for Alderweireld.

“But there are other concrete options. Toby will now have to decide which team he sees as the biggest challenge.”

Alderweireld will now weigh up his future, with Ajax sure to fight hard to retain their star, as they did successfully despite a host of clubs chasing Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen earlier this year.

Ajax have already started their Eredivisie title defence and Alderweireld played the full 90 minutes of the club’s season opener against Roda JC, which they won 3-0 on Friday.