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Ajax coach Frank de Boer has confirmed that Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing centre-back Jan Vertonghen.

City manager Roberto Mancini visited the KNVB Beker final between Ajax and Twente on Sunday and was reportedly impressed with the Belgium international’s performance.

De Boer admitted that he had been made aware of Mancini’s presence at the match, telling De Telegraaf: “[Assistant coach] Danny Blind told me that Mancini was at the stadium and I know that Manchester City are interested in signing him. One and one is two.”

The 24-year-old joined Ajax at the age of 16 and has since made over 100 appearances for the Amsterdam club.

Vertonghen’s current contract runs until the summer of 2013, and an offer in the region of €15 million could be required to lure him to England.

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