Crystal Palace beat off Everton interest to sign Ajax defender Jairo Riedewald in £7.1m move
Frank De Boer reportedly secures his former defender in front of Ronald Koeman's Toffees
CRYSTAL PALACE have beaten Everton to the signing of Ajax defender Jairo Riedewald.
The 20-year-old star has opted for a reunion with his former boss Frank De Boer as he finalises a move to Selhurst Park.
De Boer gave the youngster his debut with the Eredivisie giants and the star has blossomed since his bow.
The versatile Riedewald, who can also play in defensive midfield, has already been capped three times by his country.
However, last season he fell out of favour with ex-Ajax manager Peter Bosz and became frustrated at his lack of football.
In total he only figured 16 times for the Europa League finalists in the top-flight.
Riedewald is expected to play at either left-back or in central defence for De Boer this season.
He has previously admitted his dream of playing in the Premier league and Tottenham failed with a reported move in the January transfer window.
Everton had lined-up a potential swoop for the ace but their interest arrived too late.
De Boer is planning to build an exciting young side at Palace.
He has already secured the signing of Chelsea youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan deal.
And after selling goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to Marseille, he has been linked with another of his former Ajax men as a replacement.
Palace are reported to be planning a move for Barcelona stopper Jasper Cillessen to become their new No1.