AZ Alkmaar have rejected an approach from Tottenham for West Ham target Vincent Janssen, according to Dutch source AD.
Janssen met with representatives from Spurs a fortnight ago and a move to White Hart Lane is now the player’s preferred destination, but West Ham and Wolfsburg remain in the race too.
It is thought the lure of Champions League football is what attracted Janssen to a move to Spurs. Vicent has also received assurances from Mauricio Pochettino over playing time, as he will be used as a rotation option with Harry Kane.
Alkmaar are resigned to losing Janssen, according to AD, after a ‘miracle season’ in the Eredivisie, scoring 27 goals in 34 appearances last campaign. His fine form certainly didn’t go unnoticed. Not only did Janssen’s goalscoring prowess attract attention of scouts from clubs across Europe, it also impressed the manager of the Dutch national team Danny Blind.
The 22-year-old has made five appearances for the Oranje already, scoring three and assisting one in the process.
This seemingly bad news could actually be good news for West Ham. If Spurs sign Janssen it is extremely unlikely that Pochettino would then sanction spending another €35million on Michy Batshuayi, who would certainly not accept a role as a rotation option. Spurs pull out the race, while Juventus won’t match the asking price, leaving West Ham in pole position for his signature.
