Manchester United linked with Ajax’s Donny van de Beek

The summer transfer window just opened and if you are a Manchester United fan, it is proving to be a very frustrating time, especially when the Premier League’s top teams are scooping up top European talent at a record pace while United haven’t made a move — yet.

One remaining name on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shortlist is Ajax’s 23-year-old star Donny van de Beek and according to multiple sources, United are in advanced talks with Ajax for the young Dutchman.

Speculation intensified this morning when the Netherlands international was left out of their squad for a friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

Ajax’s coach, Erik ten Hag, admitted that the move was linked to developments over the player’s future.

In June, Ajax director and former Manchester United goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar admitted that Van de Beek was a target for the Premier League club.

It is claimed that the United have been in contact with the midfielder’s agent for several weeks and have been scouting him for several months.

Van de Beek is valued at £49m by Ajax and United have the resources to meet that valuation, and the Dutch international would be a cheaper alternative to United’s other target, Jack Grealish — who’s reported valued at over £70m by Aston Villa.

Van de Beek, an attacking midfielder, scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists in 37 games last season to help Ajax retain the Eredivisie title. He could both compliment and back up Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba if he sealed a move to Old Trafford.

Barcelona has also expressed interest, but appeared to have pulled out of the race citing financial stress due to the coronavirus shutdown.