Ajax open Sigthorsson race
Ajax are preparing to launch a new bid for reported Premier League target Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.
By Gerrit van Leeuwen
Last Updated: 04/05/11 1:47pm
Ajax are preparing to launch a new bid for reported Premier League target Kolbeinn Sigthorsson after seeing their first offer rejected.
The AZ Alkmaar striker has been a star performer in the Eredivisie this season, scoring 15 goals, and is understood to have turned the heads of several English top-flight clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle.
But Ajax, who are thought to have already had a €2million (£1.8m) offer for the 21-year-old turned down, are set to try another swoop for his services.
Sigthorsson has just a year remaining on his AZ contract, but the Eredivisie club have offered him an extension on his deal, which the youngster is yet to decide on.
The club's technical director, Earnest Stewart, has reiterated the young Iceland international is not for sale.
New deal
He told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: "I have listened to Danny (Blind, Ajax technical director) but we don't have the intention to sell him.
"We have offered him a new deal."
Sigthorsson's brother and agent Andri says the striker, a youth product at AZ, will consider the Alkmaar club's offer before making a decision on his future.
"There are many rumours about Kolbeinn," he said. "That is logical as he is doing well.
"But first we will take a look at AZ's offer. If Kolbeinn won't accept it we will start looking further."
