It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is a fan of several Ajax players, with the Dutchman seemingly keen on bringing more than one with him to Old Trafford this summer.
Jurrien Timber was heavily linked with a move at the start of the summer but it’s now being reported that the young defender is set to stay at Ajax after prioritising a place at this year’s World Cup.
Instead, United are believed to have set their sights on Timber’s defensive partner Lisandro Martinez, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal. The defender was a mainstay in Ten Hag’s Ajax side last season.
According to reports, talks have been held between the defender’s representatives and both clubs mentioned and it emerged that it would take a whopping £42m to prize him away from the Amsterdam club.
That’s according to The Mirror, who say that Arsenal have already had one bid rejected for the Argentina international. United are said to be prepared to commit £30m to the cause but are now fearing that Ajax are pricing the 24-year-old out of a move.
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Ajax have already lost several key first-team regulars, with Ryan Gravenberch, Nouassir Mazraoui and Sebastien Haller all leaving the club this summer.
Additional departures could seriously impact their season and they are seemingly adamant they will not be pushed around in the market.
SN’s verdict…
The possibility of Ten Hag raiding his former club was always likely when he was appointed United boss but thus far, it’s not looking like any of his Ajax favourites will be following him to Old Trafford.
In terms of defensive reinforcements, it has been claimed that United’s bloated centre-back department needs to be trimmed before signings can be made.
Currently, United remain focused on signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona and other transfers are expected to follow only when that has been completed.
