AZ hopes to keep Elm suitors at bay
AZ Alkmaar are hoping to persuade Rasmus Elm to sign a new contract, but will not allow the midfielder to leave the club for nothing.
Elm has a further season to run on his contract with the Dutch club and talks have been taking place regarding an extension.
However, the Sweden international has been attracting interest from across Europe, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United reported to be watching the 24-year-old.
Reports claim Liverpool will scout Elm during AZ's Eredivisie game against NEC Nijmegen on Wednesday as Kenny Dalglish considers ways to improve his squad in the summer.
Elm is rated in the £8million bracket, but AZ technical director Earnie Stewart has not given up on retaining the player beyond this season.
"We cannot afford to lose Rasmus on a free transfer," Stewart told Voetbal International. "It goes without saying that we want to keep him happy and to stay here longer.
"We are even talking to each other, but with the birth of his daughter these discussions were postponed.
"Despite all the interest for Rasmus, I really hope he stays at AZ."