Hamburg boss Martin Jol has revealed he failed in a summer bid for Ajax star Klaas Jan Huntelaar and the striker's Dutch compatriot, Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt.
The former Tottenham manager claimed Hamburg made approaches for both players before the transfer window closed on September 1 but in neither case could the Bundesliga side close a deal.
Ajax confirmed receiving two offers for Huntelaar on transfer deadline day, with Jol revealing his interest, while the other bid is reported to have been made by Arab-acquired Manchester City.
Jol would have relished linking up with his fellow countrymen but refused to wallow in the disappointment.
“I would gladly have signed Kuyt and Huntelaar. Who could refuse the opportunity?" Jol told Holland's Sportweek.
“I have no problem that the club was unable to get them. The quality of my attackers is more than enough, although with Huntelaar we would have had a real goal-getter.”
The former Tottenham manager claimed Hamburg made approaches for both players before the transfer window closed on September 1 but in neither case could the Bundesliga side close a deal.
Ajax confirmed receiving two offers for Huntelaar on transfer deadline day, with Jol revealing his interest, while the other bid is reported to have been made by Arab-acquired Manchester City.
Jol would have relished linking up with his fellow countrymen but refused to wallow in the disappointment.
“I would gladly have signed Kuyt and Huntelaar. Who could refuse the opportunity?" Jol told Holland's Sportweek.
“I have no problem that the club was unable to get them. The quality of my attackers is more than enough, although with Huntelaar we would have had a real goal-getter.”