Lille to rival Parma for Petri

The defender has been told by Ajax coach Ronald Koeman that he has no future in Amsterdam and is free to find a new club.

Pasanen had a loan spell with Portsmouth last season, but failed to earn a permanent deal in The Premiership.

Ajax have circulated Pasanen's ability to clubs around Europe and Parma expressed an interest in acquiring the defender, possibly in a loan deal.

However, reports are suggesting Parma will face stiff competition from French outfit Lille who are eyeing a similar loan arrangement.

Pasanen, who is contracted to Ajax until the summer of 2005, could well have the choice of either a French or Italian adventure after losing his place in Koeman's plans to Dutch international Johnny Heitinga.

Ajax, meanwhile, have handed promising 18-year-old keeper Kenneth Vermeer a two-year contract after he impressed in the Youth ranks under Danny Blind.