Manchester United interested in signing Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek
Manchester United are interested in signing the Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek but have yet to make a formal offer.
The 23-year-old has been closely monitored by United for some time and was left out of the Ajax squad for their pre-season friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Coach Erik ten Haag later claimed the omission was linked to Van de Beek’s future, although United sources played down suggestions that a move was imminent.
However, the Premier League club are closely following the Holland international – and have been for some time – having scouted him thoroughly last season and, even, before that.
The attacking midfielder has previously been linked with a move to Barcelona – where he would link up with former Dutch coach Ronald Koeman – and, before that, Real Madrid while United’s interest has remained.
At present it appears he is far more likely to move to the Premier League given the turmoil and lack of finance there is at Barcelona. It means that if United pursue their interest they will immediately be favourites to sign Van de Beek.
In May the Ajax chief executive and former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar confirmed that Van de Beek would be allowed to leave the club if a suitable offer was made. A fee of around €40million (£35.7m) has been mooted.
It is understood that no formal offer has yet been made to Ajax but that United have been asked to be informed of developments and retain a strong interest in the player, having made Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho their priority during this transfer window.
Ajax would prefer a deal to be agreed for Van de Beek before the opening game of the Dutch league season on September 13. However United – and other clubs – are aware that he wants to leave and also that the transfer window remains open until October 5.
