Ajax could be set to swoop for Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli, but the Dutch side have to make into the Champions League group stage first.
The Italian international has been deemed surplus to requirements by Jurgen Klopp, with the Liverpool boss leaving him behind as the rest of the squad travelled to the USA for their pre-season tour.
After an unsuccessful loan spell with AC Milan last season, Balotelli now faces an uncertain future yet again and has been searching for a club to give him another chance.
According to The Daily Mail, it appears as though Ajax are ready to give him that opportunity, although the Dutch giants want to confirm their place in the Champions League before making such a move.
Having made it through to the final qualifying round, they’ll be confident of doing so, but Balotelli will have to wait until it’s confirmed before opening negotiations.
The 25-year-old would certainly welcome the chance to play for the prestigious outfit, particularly if they offer him European football next season too.
As a result, he could be set for another lifeline as he continues to fall short of his potential and in turn is running out of clubs willing to give him a chance to prove his worth and fulfil his potential.
A move to the Netherlands might be the ideal scenario for him. While the pressure would be on him to perform for the Eredivisie giants, he’ll be far enough away from the critical gaze of the Italian and English media and in turn could thrive with less pressure.
Nevertheless, his attitude and commitment at Milan couldn’t be faulted last season, now it’s a case of putting that together with his quality and delivering on a consistent basis, and Ajax look as though they’re willing to give him the stage to do it.