Sources: Ajax reject Chelsea's first Hato offer

With Chelsea's failed bid for defender Hato, punters may consider backing Ajax to retain him for the season, influencing odds on Chelsea's defensive strength for upcoming matches.

have rejected 's first bid for star defender , sources have . that Chelsea made an offer for the 19-year-old to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season, but sources have told ESPN that it has been rebuffed.

Sources said Ajax are aware of his desire to leave, and so have sent a counter-offer back to Chelsea.

The international didn't play in Ajax's preseason semifinal of the Como Cup on Thursday, but this is due to joining the squad late rather than for transfer-related reasons.

New Ajax boss John Heitinga wouldn't commit to Hato being available for the tournament's final on Sunday.

"He's still an Ajax player," Heitinga said. "I can't promise [he'll play on Sunday]. We still have to train, and it's still a few days. But he and [Kenneth] Taylor are still Ajax players at the moment."

Hato, who can play both centre-back and left-back, has been a regular for Ajax over the past two seasons and has been courted by several of Europe's biggest clubs.

were linked with a move for him last summer and at the start of this one but Mikel Arteta's side ultimately opted to strengthen their defence with the of centre-back .

Chelsea value Hato's versatility in defence and believe he perfectly fits the bill for Enzo Maresca, who wants a defender who can also help out in midfield, especially when it comes to playing the ball out from the back.

Chelsea are also considering strengthening other positions. they have stepped up their pursuit for 's , and they are of after deciding to leave him out of their preseason tour.

Ajax have rejected Chelsea's first bid for star defender Jorrel Hato, sources have told ESPN NL.

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