PSV Eindhoven are facing fresh competition in their pursuit of Lutsharel Geertruida after Ajax joined the race for the RB Leipzig defender.

Sky Sports Deutschland reports that Ajax have made enquiries about the Netherlands international and are considering a loan move. Ajax currently view a permanent transfer as unrealistic, while Leipzig would ideally prefer to sell.

That leaves the door open for PSV, who have also been exploring a loan agreement for the former Feyenoord player.

According to Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Philipp Hinze, Ajax have now made contact regarding Geertruida.

“Update on Lutsharel Geertruida: Ajax are now also showing interest and have made enquiries. They are considering a loan deal. A permanent transfer, which is what Leipzig would prefer, is currently not feasible. However, Ajax are interested in a loan.”

Leipzig are understood to value Geertruida at around €18 million and would prefer a permanent sale. However, the German club have not completely ruled out a temporary move, depending on the terms and timing.

That situation has kept PSV hopeful.

PSV's interest partly stems from Jerdy Schouten's long-term absence, as he is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. De Telegraaf reported that PSV want to bring Geertruida in for one season, while the defender himself is reportedly open to that arrangement.

Earlier reports from German newspaper BILD as relayed by PSV Inside suggested Geertruida had reservations about a permanent move to PSV, with salary considerations among the factors involved.

Should the 26-year-old maintain his preference for a loan, Leipzig could eventually reconsider their stance to reduce the size of their squad.

Ajax's interest therefore adds another layer to an already complicated situation.

De Telegraaf's Mike Verweij has also confirmed Ajax's interest, suggesting the financial picture could change if winger Mika Godts leaves the club.

“Confirmed: #Ajax makes a move for Lutsharel #Geertruida (26). Amsterdammers enter the fray with #PSV. After selling Mika #Godts, Jordi #Cruijff may well have the funds to pay the 18 million transfer fee.”

For now, however, Ajax are focused on a loan, while PSV are also looking at the same route.

PSV watcher Rik Elfrink understands why supporters are becoming increasingly concerned about the delay.

“I understand it, of course. Those people are worried. Whatever I say: I see it too. Because now Flamingo made a mistake last Saturday against Fortuna,” Elfrink said on De Rood Wit Podcast.

He also stressed that PSV cannot simply commit €20 million without considering the wider cost.

“You also have to understand the position PSV is in. You can't just say: 'I'm going to throw twenty million at it and I give that guy a salary of three or four million a year.'”

Elfrink explained that the overall investment could become substantially higher once wages, agents' fees and the length of the contract are included.

“So then you’re talking about an investment of forty million and if you look at it over five years, then you’re talking about eight or maybe even nine million per year. Those are quite amounts. PSV can only do that in very, very rare cases,” he added.

With Ajax now involved, PSV's pursuit of Geertruida has become more complicated. The player's preference, Leipzig's willingness to accept a loan and the financial conditions of any agreement could determine where the Netherlands international plays next.