Manchester United are reportedly in negotiations with Erik ten Hag’s former club Ajax about signing defender Jurrien Timber.
Following Ten Hag’s appointment, the Old Trafford club will begin a comprehensive makeover of the playing group, and the new manager has instructed his bosses to bring the Dutch centre-back with him from the Eredivisie winners. And the defender might be the first signing of the new regime, with Ten Hag eager to add him to his squad.
It comes as Paul Pogba intimated that he may reunite with former teammate Paulo Dybala this summer, with the Argentine also out of contract and looking to switch clubs.
While United may be planning to investigate the signing of Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic – who Benfica have got on their radar as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez.
The centre-back, who is valued at roughly £35 million, might follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford this summer, however the incoming United manager has revealed that “all the biggest clubs in Europe” could compete for his signing.
Ten Hag wants to sign a striker, two midfielders, and a center-back this summer and has already directed his new club to pursue Timber.
Meanwhile, in a mysterious remark on social media, Paul Pogba intimated that he may be joining the same club as Paulo Dybala this summer.
Both players’ contracts expire at the end of the season, but although Dybala is expected to leave Juventus, Pogba has been linked with a move to the Turin club.
Timber sends message to Ajax fans
But, returning to Timber, he can play at both right-back and center-back. The Dutchman, who turns 21 next month, had a spectacular season with the Amsterdam powerhouse, playing a major role in their victory. He also won their Talent of the Year award, emphasising how vital he was in their eventual victory under Ten Hag.
So, unsurprisingly, the youngster is highly regarded by the newly appointed United manager, and fans hope to see him follow Ten Hag to M16.
Although Timber has remained tight-lipped about his future plans, he has uploaded a video reflecting on this season that was emotional even though it was not a parting speech.
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Timber said: “My first Champions League campaign. How about that for a group stage.
“Fighting battles against the biggest in the world, we conquered the group together with all of you. We’ve had our setbacks, we’ve made mistakes, but we got back together.
“We stood up to become winners. We are Ajax. The best.
“Crowned rightfully, champions of the Netherlands. Family, friends and fans, thanks for this amazing season, I’ve enjoyed it.”
