Ajax, NEC and FC Utrecht chase Lausanne youth striker Ilija Despotovic

Ajax, NEC and FC Utrecht have expressed interest in 18‑year‑old Swiss striker Ilija Despotovic. Despotovic is a product of Lausanne's youth academy.

The three Eredivisie clubs will compete for the forward's signature. Despotovic, born in 2005, has attracted attention after his performances at youth level.

Lausanne currently holds the player's registration. A move to the Netherlands would represent Despotovic's first senior contract abroad.

The clubs are expected to intensify negotiations ahead of the summer transfer window. A transfer could see Despotovic join one of the clubs' first‑team squads.