Blind does not expect Van der Wiel departure

Ajax interim technical director Danny Blind does not expect sought-after full-back Gregory van der Wiel to leave the club during next month's transfer window. The Netherlands international has drawn interest from across Europe, and Ajax recently rebuffed a bid from Valencia because it failed to meet their valuation. Blind is prepared for further interest before the window shuts, but has warned any deal for the 23-year-old, who has a contract until 2013, is unlikely to happen before the end of the season. "Ajax has business as well as sporting considerations to take into account, but in the case of Gregory it is clear that in the winter he is not likely to go," Blind told the club's website. "Coach Frank de Boer and his staff will discuss this matter. We will talk to the player himself, or his agent, to find out what he wants. Gregory is important to this team. If Valencia or any other club want to sign him in the summer then, of course, if the price is right then it will be considered." Blind also warned Valencia they would have to significantly increase their offer for Van der Wiel. "The bid Valencia offered was too low and, in our view, showed little respect for Gregory especially given his track record and enormous potential," Blind said. "Despite still only being 23 he has become an important part of the Ajax team and is a fixture with the Holland team that reached last year's World Cup final. "Ideally he will remain and enjoy more good times as is possible with a player who has grown up at a club and progresses to do well in the first team." Last week Van der Wiel revealed his desire to play for Valencia, describing the Spanish side as "a great club", but also hinted any move would not occur until the summer. "We know that if a club a player likes wants to pay the money he wants then it is likely he will leave," Blind added. "I currently cannot say whether that will happen with Gregory. We hope not."