Ajax want to sign Blackpool starlet Tom Ince and could make a formal approach in January

The Dutch club have contacted the Seasiders about signing a pre-contract deal with the England Under-21 star

Ajax want Blackpool’s starlet Tom Ince in a deal that spells a financial disaster for the seaside club, writes Alan Nixon of the Sunday People.

Ajax have made contact with the Ince camp about signing a pre-contract deal next month from under the noses of several top Premier League sides.

The England Under-21 star stayed with his manager dad Paul this season despite major interest, but he now plans to go – and can leave at the end of his deal.

A move to Ajax would give Ince a chance to play in Europe – and possibly the Champions League.

Ince would improve his football education at a top club and still be young enough to move on to one of the big hitters at home or abroad.

Ajax are allowed to make a formal approach from the start of January and Ince could either join them in the summer or go earlier if Ajax can agree a fee in advance.

It is a bitter blow for Blackpool who saw an £8million jackpot disappear when the 21-year-old snubbed Cardiff last summer.

They will get next to nothing now.

Ajax can take Ince for a low ‘training compensation’ figure of around £500,000 and that would be split with his former club Liverpool.

Personal terms should not be a problem for young Ince who snubbed £40,000-a-week at Cardiff but is focused on the right next step.