Tottenham receive blow in pursuit of Dutch player

Ajax player Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he would love to play with Lionel Messi in future.

The Dutchman was linked with a move to La Liga champions Barcelona during the last summer transfer window, but the Eredivisie side refused to sell.

Barcelona are still interested in the midfielder and are expected to return for his signature next summer.

Ajax sporting director Marc Overmas recently ruled out a move for the 21-year-old in January, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested.

“Of course I would like to play with him. He's already 31, so I have to hurry up," De Jong said, the Sunday Express reports.

This comment serves as a blow to Tottenham who failed to sign any player in the last transfer window and have been working to change the outcome in future markets.

On the pitch, after a fine start to their Premier League season, Spurs have slumped to two straight defeats, with the latest coming against Liverpool last Saturday.