Crystal Palace boss Frank De Boer set to raid former club Ajax for Joel Veltman and Kenny Tete
New Eagles chief hopes to land highly-rated defensive pair for just £10million in bid to rejuvenate Selhurst squad
FRANK DE BOER will raid his former club Ajax for defenders Joel Veltman and Kenny Tete.
The new Crystal Palace boss hopes a bid of £10million will be enough to tempt the Dutch giants to do business.
But the Eagles face competition from Tottenham for centre-half Veltman, while Lyon are also chasing right-back Tete.
De Boer is on a mission to build a more youthful side after taking over from Sam Allardyce this summer. Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho was believed to be Palace's top defensive target but they have been put off by his £30m price-tag.
De Boer is keen to spend that cash on younger, cheaper options and the Ajax pair tick all of the boxes.
Tete, 21, is one of the continent's most in-demand youngsters and seems certain to leave the Europa League finalists this summer.
De Boer handed the highly-rated ace his debut in 2015 and he made 31 appearances in all competitions last season.
Galatasaray have already had a £3million bid accepted but the Dutch international opted against a move to Turkey, boosting Palace hopes.
De Boer also gave Veltman, 25, his first-team bow for Ajax five years ago and he has since become a mainstay of the side.
The Holland star is certain to leave the Amsterdam Arena this summer and will not be joining pre-season preparations.
Following a terrific managerial career at Ajax, which included four successive league wins, the new Palace boss is looking to restore his reputation following a shaky time at Inter Milan.
The 47-year-old Dutch Ace will be the South London's club third manager in 12 months, following the exit of both Alan Pardew and Allardyce.