Feyenoord Midfield Pair Set for Premier League Switches? – Bleacher Report

Dutch club Feyenoord could be about to lose two of their most promising young talents, as both Jordie Clasie and Tonny Vilhena are being strongly linked to potential summer departures.
As we reported last month, the Rotterdam giants are already preparing for a big shake up as Fred Rutten will replace the departing Ronald Koeman as head coach, but it looks like Feyenoord may be in for even more change as the midfield pair seek moves to the English Premier League.
According to Ian Hughes of the Mirror, Manchester United are currently fighting Italian giants Juventus in pursuit of Vilhena’s signature. Feyenoord are believed to be reluctant on the deal, but are resigned to the fact the 19-year-old may force a move. A reported fee of £5 million may be enough to lure the left-footer, who has two years remaining on his current contract, away from de Kuip.
Vilhena is one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football and has already cemented his place as a regular feature of the Feyenoord setup, making 63 league appearances for the Eredivisie club. Additionally, the midfielder has enjoyed international success by helping the Netherlands Under-17 team win back-to-back European Championships in 2011 and 2012—netting the decisive penalty against Germany in the final of the latter.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Clasie is being linked with a potential switch to West Ham United in the forthcoming transfer window.
The midfielder, who joined from fellow Dutch side Excelsior in 2011, is set to make his 100th league appearance for Feyenoord in next Sunday’s home clash with Cambuur—it could prove to be the final farewell of one of the Rotterdam club’s star players this term. As per talkSport, Sam Allardyce is extremely interested in the Feyenoord starlet and could use the Dutchman as a long-term replacement for the unsettled Mohamed Diame.
Even if West Ham opt against making a bid, Clasie could still be on his way to the league as up to four other Premier League clubs are interested in his services (via talkSport).
Clasie and Vilhena have unquestionably been two of the key players in Feyenoord’s resurrection towards qualifying for next season’s Champions League. New boss Rutten could have a huge task on his hands in finding their suitable replacements.
Are Clasie and Vilhena ready for the challenge of Premier League football? Post your thoughts below.
Stats from Soccerway and Transfermarkt.co.uk
The latest in the sports world, emailed daily.
The latest in the sports world, emailed daily.

source