Manchester United have opened talks with Ajax over the potential transfer of Jurrien Timber, a report from The Guardian claims.
The Red Devils are widely expected to sign a new central defender this summer, and it recently emerged that Timber is the number one target for manager Erik ten Hag.
As per The Guardian, the club have now begun negotiations for the 20-year-old. While talks are at an initial stage, it is suggested that Ajax may demand a fee of €50 million.
Our view:
Timber was handed his first-team debut at Ajax by Ten Hag in 2020, and he has since been a mainstay in the team. Judging by the recent campaign, he does not seem to possess many weaknesses.
The Dutchman averaged an impressive 2.1 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game last season. He successfully completed 92 per cent of his passes while contributing three goals and two assists.
The one concern could be his aerial ability, considering he is only 179cms tall. However, Ten Hag is unlikely to play a deep defensive block and prefers to take the game to the opposition.
Timber would be perfectly suited to the manager’s system as seen at Ajax. The centre-back is comfortable playing out from the back. He averaged 70 passes per game for club and country last season.
The price tag appears a little bit steep for someone with limited experience. United previously landed Donny van de Beek from Ajax for €39 million, and it could be a ball-park figure to seal the deal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and WhoScored.com
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