Manchester United may have hit a stumbling block when it comes to signing Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber.
That’s according to journalist Rob Blanchette, who has been speaking on The Done Deal Show to discuss the latest news surrounding transfer activity at Old Trafford.
Will Manchester United improve next season?
Yes
No
Journalist Jonathan Shrager recently named the Reds as the frontrunners for Timber’s signature as incoming United boss Erik ten Hag seeks to link up with one of his former stars.
However, the 20-year-old defender has hinted that he would be open to staying in his native country where he can play Champions League football and Blanchette has revealed that the Dutch club are willing to meet United’s proposal.
He said: “The problem as it stands today is that Ajax are ready to match any wage offer that Manchester United give him.
“So I think that that makes the player much more comfortable in his situation, and this is why people have been quoting what he said on international duty only a few days ago, where he kind of said Ajax are a big club and they play in the Champions League.
“I know people put two and two together; that does not mean that Manchester United cannot sign this player. I think it just means it’s more unlikely than, say, Pau Torres.”
TIF Thoughts on Timber to United…
The £27m-rated starlet is still under contract in Amsterdam until 2024 and in his interview with De Telegraaf he insisted that the “picture has to be right” which would suggest he is open to staying put.
He said: “If you’re not going to play there, it’s better to stay with Ajax and Ajax is also a big club,” which is a big blow for United.
Who would you rather?Timber
Pau Torres
Either
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The manager is clearly intent on shoring up a defence that conceded 57 goals in 38 games last season and finished with a goal difference of zero.
Timber was a key figure in the Ajax side that conceded just 19 league goals this term and his value has almost trebled since the end of the last campaign but perhaps ten Hag will find an alternative like Pau Torres.