(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur made a move to sign Ajax utility man Edson Alvarez in the January window, but were told to forget it by Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag.

Alvarez, 22, joined Ajax in the summer from Club America after being linked all over Europe – including Scottish champions Celtic. He has since clocked up 21 appearances for Ajax, but is not particularly impressed over his lack of game time.

Indeed, the Mexico international has remained an unused substitute in 10 of Ajax’s last 12 league games. The report claims, in January, that Tottenham and MLS side LA Galaxy made approaches to sign Alvarez – just months after he joined Ajax.

Though Ten Hag and Ajax director of football Marc Overmars blocked a move, it is believed that a summer exit could be orchestrated for Alvarez. The report claims Ajax would request a fee lower than the £13million paid for Alvarez.

TBR’s view – Young, cheap and versatile, Tottenham must move

Breaking into the Ajax side is a difficult one. You must completely suit the style of play – something which has seen the likes of Ryan Babel and Dusan Tadic revive their careers. But for others, who do not suit said style, fall by the wayside.

Unfortunately for Alvarez, he is not the required type of player for Ajax. Though he boasts plenty of quality and the versatility that allows him to play in central midfield, centre-back and right-back, he does not fit the Ajax style.

His quality, though, is undeniable and if Spurs were to sign him in the summer, he would be a top addition given he is likely to be available for less than the fee Ajax paid for him.