Ajax laugh off bid for star midfielder Kenneth Taylor and demand double Porto's offer as Francesco Farioli eyes reunion with Dutchman

According to De Telegraaf, the Dutch club dismissed an offer, citing it far below their valuation. Porto, now led by former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, reportedly submitted a €15 million (£13m/$16m) offer with up to €2m available in bonuses. But Ajax have made it clear they won’t budge below €35m (£30m/$41m) for the 23-year-old midfielder.

The Amsterdam club were reportedly unimpressed not only by the fee but also by the source. Memories are still fresh of Farioli’s exit, which they feel was orchestrated to avoid a €5m payout clause by waiting until July 1 to finalise his move to Porto. Now, with the Portuguese side returning for Taylor, Ajax are in no mood to compromise.

Meanwhile, another roadblock for Porto in signing Taylor may be the Netherlands international himself. The midfielder, who had a bounce-back campaign last season under Farioli, is not particularly enthusiastic about joining the Portugal club while the likes of Atletico Madrid and Napoli are showing interest.

Taylor’s current price tag would make him only the seventh-most expensive signing in Porto’s history. Their highest fee paid was €32m for Samu Omorodion, while Hulk’s €19m move remains among their top transfer deals.

Ajax are unlikely to negotiate further unless Porto return with a bid closer to their asking price. Meanwhile, the Dutch side are pressing ahead with their summer transfers. They recently completed the signing of winger Raul Moro from Real Valladolid and are now eyeing a creative midfielder in the transfer window. As for Taylor, unless a top European club steps in, it looks like he will be playing under John Heitinga next season.