Ajax have turned their intentions back to Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera after an unconvincing trial period from Peruvian midfielder Andres Mendoza.
Since the departure of Wesley Sneijder to Real Madrid earlier this week, the club were linked with a number of probable replacements and Mendoza's attempts to fill the void have also finished in disappointment.
On Wednesday, a bid to land Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour was jolted, whilst the club's attempts to bring Riera to Amsterdam with a 6 million euros (£4 million) bid was also rejected.
Mendoza is the latest player that was scouted, however as stated by technical director Martin van Geel, the club were not impressed.
"He can play football, however we are not convinced that he is a real reinforcement," Van Geel informed the PZC (Provinciale Zeeuwsche Courant) newspaper. "When we sign a player it will be so that everyone in the club supports that decision."
According to Van Geel, the club are not yet ready to give up their pursuit of Riera, inspite of the FC Barcelona based club and player showing no sign of co-operation.
"But there are more things that are only mentioned in the football world," continued the Ajax supremo.
"Wesley Sneijder also mentioned that he would play another season at Ajax. Situations change every now and then. We have seen Riera play a lot. Last year he played against us in the UEFA Cup. Coach Henk 10 Cate knows him from his time in Spain and our scouts have also see him play. We have a 100% conviction about his qualities."
16 08 2007
Ajax's attempts to replace Wesley Sneijder have suffered a further blow after the club failed in their bid to sign Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour.
Sneijder completed a 27 million euros (£18.3 million) transfer to Real Madrid earlier this week, however Ajax were frustrated in moves for Espanyol's Albert Riera and Defour as they aim to replace the 23 year old Dutch international.
The 19 year old Defour, who Ajax 1st tried to sign last season, has discarded a transfer to the Amsterdam ArenA, insisting he is happy in his native Belgium.
His agent Paul Stefani said, "Ajax called me at the end of last week. They are looking for a replacement for Wesley Sneijder and Defour came immediately into the picture. He did not must think for long, he thinks it is not right to leave Standard now. Steven has explained to Ajax that it was too late," Stefani toldsporza.be.
"The season in Belgium has only started, he is captain of Standard and he thinks good in Liege."
However, Stefani indicated Defour was flattered by Ajax's interest.
"Ajax are a class club though," added Stefani. "Since last season the board of Ajax was calling Defour regularly. He also got a text message on his birthday."
