[ad_1]
Manchester United are hoping to sign Donny van de Beek from Ajax as the race for the Dutch midfielder draws to a close.
Van de Beek has sparked the interest of several of Europe’s top clubs that have stood out for the Dutch team in the past three seasons, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among those who have been linked to the 23-year-old in the last months. But it is understood that United are in contact with their agents and believe they have a good chance of closing a deal with Ajax given their strong ties to the Eredivisie champions thanks to former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who is the chief executive of the Ajax.
It is also believed that Real are still interested in signing a player who has scored 41 goals in 175 appearances with the Ajax first team after joining the club when he was 11 years old. Barcelona have denied that they are preparing an offer, and Tottenham have also previously tracked down Van de Beek.
“In fact, there are events that keep him out of the team,” Ajax coach Erik ten Hag admitted on Saturday. “We’ll see what happens. We’ll make an announcement as soon as there’s some clarity.”
He added: “The fact that Donny did not play indicates a direction. The request not to let him play did not specifically come from one side. We do it together. Agreements have been made on a possible transfer, and if that possibility arises, you should also cooperate. “
The signing of Van de Beek would be a potential blow to United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who wants to bolster his midfield options heading into the new season. Talks about the possible signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund have yet to be resolved, while United are also in the market for a new center-back.
