Toronto FC negotiating with Spanish midfielder Ager Aketxe

Toronto FC are looking to build up the youth behind their veteran lineup in place, including reportedly going after Spanish national Ager Aketxe.

Toronto FC is making plans to ensure their recent success is produced consistently over the long-term. This includes strengthening the youth setup, which is why various reports have them linked with exciting prospect, Ager Aketxe.

Aketxe has scored 24 goals combined in all competitions he’s featured in, while notching 16 assists. Twelve of his goals came in the second tier of La Liga, which is where he spent the majority of his time with Athletic Bilbao’s second team.

The 24-year-old has also spent some time in European competition, with seven appearances under his belt in the Europa League.

Trasnfermarkt currently notes that Aketxe is a free agent, but his rights must still be owned by Bilbao. Toronto FC are rumored to be negotiating with the central midfielder, with talks seemingly at an early stage.

On the other hand, a group of other sources have already announced the completion of the deal, which may make supporters and Transfermarkt a bit confused. This claim came from trusted source Goal, which said:

"Toronto FC has signed Spanish midfielder Ager Aketxe from Athletic Bilbao, sources have confirmed to Goal.The 24-year-old has joined TFC on a free transfer and signed a two-year deal with the MLS Cup champions, with Athletic possessing a buy-back option."

Regardless, it looks like Aketxe is not a member of the Reds at the moment. However, it wouldn’t be a shock to see an announcement from general manager Tim Bezbatchenko very soon.

Aketxe’s market value is around £2 million, but with the form he’s in, the number should be higher than this. If Toronto does agree a deal near his market value, it would be a complete steal.

More from Toronto FC

• Federico Bernardeschi ready for new challenge with Toronto FC
• Toronto FC remodel continues with departure of Alejandro Pozuelo
• Toronto FC looking to move on from Carlos Salcedo
• As Lorenzo Insigne arrives, Toronto FC looks to get back on track
• Toronto FC: 3 takeaways from 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew

The Reds have been all over the place in the transfer window. Heavy attention to the defence has now quickly shifted to the middle of the park. It shows TFC are starting to look to the future, while giving it their last shot at another MLS Cup with the current core.

Aketxe is a very similar player to Victor Vazquez in that both dictate play in the attacking midfield position. Both come from Spain, and have played for well respected teams in that country.

Considering how Vazquez has turned out, it wouldn’t be a bad move to secure Aketxe. The younger option has shown signs of promise in Europe, and he can hopefully bring that same promise to the North.

Gregory van der Wiel and Auro have been the two signings of the offseason thus far. If TFC were to lock up Aketxe, it would certainly be the best signing of the window. A player that can help now and in the years ahead is always welcome, so let’s hope talks advance between Aketxe and Toronto soon.

Next: TFC's lackluster offseason could be saved by recent moves

Could TFC secure Aketxe for near his market value? Do you think the Reds are done in this signing period even after they potentially sign Aketxe? Let us know in the comments section below.