Football: Huddersfield in talks with Ajax

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN are in negotiations with Ajax about the two clubs establishing a formal link. The Terriers' manager Steve Bruce, chairman Ian Ayre, club owner Barry Rubery and football director Trevor Cherry flew to Amsterdam yesterday for discussions.

Huddersfield have a Dutch trio of players in Dean Gorre, Ken Monkou and Clyde Wijnhard at the McAlpine Stadium and are keen to develop links further.

"We feel a relationship with such a big club as Ajax could bear fruit for all sides, especially as they have a lot of young prospects coming through their wonderful youth set-up," Ayre said. "The game is becoming increasingly European and if our players can gain experience in Amsterdam, or theirs can be loaned here for instance, then it has to make sense. I must stress, though, that this is our first meeting on this with Ajax."

The Norwegian goalkeeper Roger Vaaler was heading for Edinburgh last night hoping to tie up a loan deal with Hearts. He is expected to train with the club this morning and could be on the bench at Kilmarnock tomorrow.

The Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has moved swiftly to secure the services of Vaaler as Gilles Rousset was sent off in the defeat by Motherwell on Tuesday. Roddy McKenzie is likely to be handed the jersey at Rugby Park in the Frenchman's absence.

Vaaler's Oslo club, Skeid, were relegated from the top flight after finishing second bottom last season. Vaaler was first choice but the defence conceded 75 goals in 26 league games.

Vaaler, who was heading for Copenhagen en route to Edinburgh, is excited at the prospect of a spell at Hearts.

"Hopefully everything will work out all right," he said. "I don't see any problems at the moment. I am looking forward to training with the team but I don't know yet if the manager plans to include me in the squad against Kilmarnock."