Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker was Ajax's first choice midfield target this winter.
The Dutch giants have signed former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson on a free transfer.
The England star left Al-Ettifaq on a free transfer after not settling in the Middle East.
According to VoetbalPrimeur, Ajax originally wanted to get Villa midfielder Dendoncker instead.
However, financial issues meant that they were more willing to go after Henderson.
Villa would have demanded a fee for Dendoncker, given he has years to go on his contract.