Harry Forrester close to signing for Ajax

[Rip Van We Go Again]

sportinglife.com

Ajax coach Frank de Boer says former Aston Villa midfielder Harry Forrester is close to signing a deal with the Dutch champions.

The 20-year-old was released by Villa in May after his contract expired having joined the Midlands club from Watford as a youth player in 2007.

Forrester, capped at England Under-17 level, did not make a senior appearance for Villa but was a regular performer for their Academy and reserve sides.

He also spent part of last season on loan at Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock, notching up seven appearances.

The attacking midfielder is currently undergoing a trial period with the Eredivisie giants in hope of earning a contract.

And De Boer is hopeful of bringing the youngster to the Amsterdam Arena on a permanent basis after witnessing him in action for Villa reserves last year.

He told De Telegraaf: "He is close to a deal.

"He's a good player. But it's not only about the two per cent of the time you have got the ball during a game. The 98% you don't have the ball is more important. And I think he has to develop that side of the game.

"Harry will go with Jong Ajax (Ajax's reserve squad) to a training camp in (Dutch region) Zeeland. After that we will make a decision. But it surely looks good."

[PaulTheVillan]

Good luck to him.

[cdbearsfan]

I always rated him... maybe his attitude didn't match his talent. Be interesting to see how he gets on. Is he still young enough to play against us in the Yoof Champions League?

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

I always rated him... maybe his attitude didn't match his talent. Be interesting to see how he gets on. Is he still young enough to play against us in the Yoof Champions League?

Under 19 competition, article says he's 20!

[darren woolley]

Good luck to him.

[martin]

For Ajax?

Been scouring the newspapers for this without luck.

[Salsa Party Animal]

what about official site of Ajax ?

[pablopicasso_10]

he has a lot of ability, but his huge ego and bad attitude match that ability...

[Greg N'Ash]

How much did he cost again? 1M? dearie me......

[pablopicasso_10]

he cost a couple hundred thousand which could have potentially risen to 1m...

[Greg N'Ash]

Still overpriced. Anyway i thought big chief Faulkner was talking of us following the AJax system, and they've gone and nicked one of ours.

Doh!

[pablopicasso_10]

hindsight is an interesting tool...

if he had applied himself properly, 200k (or 1m asit would have risen to), would have been a snip... like dwight yorke and gareth barry were...

and for me, i would rather we invested a bit of cash and gambled on  few players young talented with lots of potential and have a few fall by the wayside, than not bother because it may not work out...

forrester didnt earn a new contract, because the people who deal with him didnt like something about him... as it wasnt his ability, as he is a very talented young man, it is down to his application and attitude...

ajax have mentioned that his talent isnt in question, but he will need to apply himself properly, otherwise he wont make it...

however, i am a little confused mate... are you saying that he wasnt worth 200k, but at the same time criticising the club for letting him go?

[Greg N'Ash]

just being arguementative.. ignore me, i'm in a funny mood

[pablopicasso_10]

just being arguementative.. ignore me, i'm in a funny mood

fair enough...

[Dave Cooper please]

ignore me,

Most intelligent thing you've said in months.