Manchester United linked to Ryan Gravenberch

Manchester United are one of the latest sides to be linked with Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

The 18-year-old has emerged as an excellent prospect in the Dutch league and he is already attracting interest from top European sides, and United.

The Mirror reports that Barcelona and Juventus are both keen and have let Gravenberch’s club know they are following the player.

There is now interest coming from England. The teenager played against Liverpool in the Champions League last week, and amongst other clubs, he caught the eye of United..

He is being compared to Paul Pogba, but you have to imagine he also has some good qualities as well if other clubs are following him, and he has four goals in 19 games for the senior team already.

Gravenberch would not necessarily be cheap. Ajax sold midfielder Donny van de Beek to United in the summer for £40 million, which means that the club need to hold onto their midfield unless they can readily find an adequate replacement. They also sold Hakim Ziyech to Chelsea so they may feel financially secure for at least a year, despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

He has recently signed a three-year contract which means that Ajax can hold onto him for at least another year without having to worry about letting him leave on a reduced price, and there is no indication yet that the player is keen to leave.

United have a good relationship with Ajax’s Edwin van der Sar, which may help them negotiate any difficulties in a potential deal. The club have been amassing young talent in recent months, with Facundo Pellistri joining from Penarol, and Amad Diallo expected to join from Atalanta in the January transfer window after a deal was agreed.

The club are well stocked in midfield so unless there are planned exits he may not be top of any shortlist for now.