Jorell Hato decision confirmed after Chelsea transfer talks

Jorrel Hato has been left out of Ajax's squad to face Celtic in the Como Cup on Thursday night as a move to Chelsea edges closer.

The 19-year-old defender was part of the Dutch outfit's squad that travelled to Italy for pre-season fixtures against Ajax and Celtic.

However, Hato was not named in Ajax's squad for Thursday night's Como Cup opener against the Scottish Premiership champions after Chelsea entered advanced talks with the Eredivisie outfit over a deal for the Dutchman earlier this week.

Ajax are reportedly open to selling Hato this summer, though Dutch publication De Telegraaf claims that they will demand roughly £45m for the defender.

Hato, who can play both centre-back and left-back, was linked with a move to Premier League champions Liverpool earlier this year.

The 19-year-old has been on Ajax's books since signing from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, with his professional debut coming four-and-a-half years later in a KNVB Cup tie against Den Bosch.

Chelsea, who won the Club World Cup earlier this month, have strengthened their squad significantly already this summer with the additions of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dario Essugo, and Jamie Gittens.

Meanwhile, the Blues have opened club-to-club talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of Xavi Simmons.

Talks have been ongoing this week between Chelsea and the 22-year-old's representatives - including 'super agent' Ali Barat - and have been described as very positive

Leipzig are said to be open to selling the Netherlands international this summer with reports in recent days suggesting the Bundesliga club will do business for €65 million (£56m).

Bayern Munich have expressed their interest in Simons, and sources have told football.london the German club could try to hijack a deal.

Simons has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

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