Spurs could sign Van der Vaart-endorsed 'brilliant' playmaker for £36m

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech in recent days.

Dutch outlet AD claims Spurs boss Antonio Conte has set his sights on the Morocco international.

The Blues are looking to move Ziyech on, and the player himself fancies a change of scenery, added the report.

Tottenham have enjoyed a fruitful transfer window, bringing in seven new players.

And with a week left before the deadline, Spurs are now reportedly looking for a new No. 10.

Now, Tottenham appear to have received a boost in their pursuit of Ziyech.

De Telegraaf and Voetbal International – via Sport Witness – claim his potential return to Ajax is ‘currently stuck’.

They report that the Eredivisie giants were hopeful that the attacking midfielder would return this summer.

Apparently, Ziyech indicated in talks with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar that he was ‘open to the idea’ of a return.

However, at the moment a transfer ‘seems far away’ because of complications arising between the various parties.

Apparently, Ajax want a one-season loan which includes a rental fee and paying half of his current salary.

But neither Chelsea nor Ziyech are keen on a loan, according to the report.

The Blues reportedly want a transfer fee close to what they paid for Ajax in 2020 – namely, £36million.

And Ziyech apparently does not want to return to Stamford Bridge after a year away.

However, the fee is too much for Ajax, while his high wages make it ‘almost impossible’ to agree personal terms.

They also don’t want to block up the pathway for some of their younger prospect.

Thus, they are ‘feverishly discussing’ whether to make a move or look at cheap alternatives.

This would play into Tottenham’s hands – £36million isn’t a prohibitively high fee for Spurs.

“Things will start to go much better”

Earlier this year, Tottenham cult hero Rafael van der Vaart said Ziyech would be ideal for Spurs.

He told The Times: “I’ve been saying that for some time now.

“But I believe Ziyech is the type of player who could make a big impact in the current Spurs team.

“With a playmaker like him, chances are things will start to go much better.

“Then Son doesn’t have to go deep to collect the ball and Kane can just remain up front as a striker as well.

“Because they miss someone who can feed them those balls. Now they have to work too hard.”

In January last year, Ziyech delivered a masterclass for Chelsea in a 2-0 Premier League win over Tottenham.

“That was brilliant, really,” Pat Nevin told Chelsea’s post-match Matchday Live programme.

“That’s his best game for us without a shadow of a doubt.

“He just looked like a different person out there. The confidence – that was a 17-yard ball…

“Honestly, he was a joy to watch.”