Reports say Manchester United have been in talks with Ajax over the possible signing of defender Jurrien Timber in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have been proposed to make radical changes to the squad this summer with new coach Erik ten Hag at the helm. And it looks like they’re not wasting their time, with The Guardian suggesting that the dialogue about Timber’s capture has begun. United’s defense leaked 57 Premier League goals last season.
And it is an obvious area of concern for the new boss. Timber has been linked for a long time, as Ten Hag has known him well since his time together at Ajax.
Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I think all the best clubs in Europe have Timber in sight.”
That may be true, but the 20-year-old looks set to move to Old Trafford.
Despite his tender years, the Utrecht-born star has already made 74 appearances in all competitions with Ajax. And he has also been selected six times by the Netherlands.
Ten Hag is clearly a big fan and believes he is a player who could have a real impact on the Theater of Dreams. The report does not provide details on the extent of the talks.
But it is believed that United would have to part with £ 43 million to get her husband.
Timber has class to solve twin problems
Manchester United struggled to secure sixth place in the top flight in 2021-2022. A combination of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick was unable to deliver the goods.
They will only play in the Europa League next season, but will be in the top four to return to the Champions League.
To do that, the Northwest Giants need a makeover, and in Timber, they could get a versatile player who wants to succeed. He has already won two Eredivisie titles with the Amsterdam club plus the KNVB Cup.
Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are United’s main players. None of the trio has been covered in glory for the past ten months, with Maguire in particular chosen for criticism.
Timber would compete with them for an initial berth, but has another rope in the bow. The talented youngster can also play as a right winger, giving options to his coach.
Spanish international Pau Torres is another United defender. It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old will continue to be persecuted.
But landing Timber so early in the summer window would be a real blow to the club.
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