Manchester United are reportedly in transfer talks with Ajax over signing young defender Jurrien Timber.
The Red Devils are in the market for a defender this summer and have identified the Ajax man as the number one target with new manager Erik ten Hag giving his approval.
Ten Hag will begin his reign as Man United boss in a few weeks, and it looks like he has Timber in his sights as one of his first signings.
This is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim that negotiations are already underway for the Red Devils to sign the £35million-rated youngster. The report also quotes Ten Hag as admitting that he expected plenty of top clubs to show an interest in the player this summer.
“I think all the top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights. But I think that applies to a lot of Ajax players at the moment,” the new manager United boss said.
20-year-old Timber shone under Ten Hag at Ajax, and it is easy to see why the Dutch tactician is a big fan of his.
Timber will be an ideal replacement for Eric Bailly, who is expected to leave United this summer. The Red Devils are also expected to allow Phil Jones to leave, leaving only the inconsistent Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane as the senior defenders at Old Trafford. So a deal for the defender is crucial for United.
Despite his age, Timber made 43 appearances in Ajax’s title-winning campaign. He is a versatile player who can perform well at centre-back and also at right-back, making the prospect of signing him even more exciting for United.
