Manchester United are eyeing a fresh move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to reports in the last 24 hours.
The Dutchman is a player who Erik Ten Hag is already familiar with having managed him during his time in the Eredivisie, and links have been prevalent ever since the boss’ move to the Premier League.
The Red Devils gaffer reportedly targeted the 21-year-old last summer but a deal failed to materialise, and despite his contract not expiring until 2025, he’s now planning to take a second bite at the cherry to secure his target.
According to The Sun, United still have Timber ‘on their radar’ after he was a serious candidate on Ten Hag’s ‘wishlist’ last year.
The centre-back is believed to have previously ‘turned a move down’ amid fears a switch to Old Trafford could have seen him miss out on a place at the World Cup, with the top-flight giants therefore signing Lisandro Martinez instead.
TIF thoughts on Timber to United…
Timber will have seen that Ten Hag has turned United’s form around since he was last approached and it would be a massive coup should he agree to put pen to paper at some point in 2023.
The Adidas-sponsored athlete currently ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes and the 98th percentile for pass completion, as per FBRef, highlighting the composure he has when playing out from the back.
The Utrecht native has also previously been hailed a ‘leader’ by Ten Hag himself, so his known admiration for the player could well eventually get a deal over the line for the Red Devils.