MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in preliminary talks with Ajax to bring centre-back Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford.
It was reported in April how new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was looking to bring the 20-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams with him.
Timber’s representatives fuelled speculation that a transfer was on the horizon earlier this month when they posted a clip at an airport with the caption “deal closing time”.
Bayern Munich are also interested in the Holland international, but it is claimed that United are leading the race to secure his services.
It has even been said that United are “one step away” from landing the youngster.
But those reports appear to be wide of the mark, with The Guardian insisting that negotiations with Ajax are at an initial stage.
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They state that Ten Hag is keen to make Timber one of his first signings.
The Dutch gaffer is desperate to bring in a new centre-back to partner Raphael Varane with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof struggling.
And United could also part ways with Eric Bailly and Phil Jones in the summer.
Timber, who won two Eredivisie titles under the tutelage of Ten Hag, is seen as the ideal choice.
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The news outlet also states that Ajax are looking to keep hold of the defender having offered him fresh terms on his deal that expires in 2024.
But should he reject a contract extension, they would be willing to offload him for a fee in the region of £43million.
Failure to land Timber could see United make a move for Villarreal’s Pau Torres.
Torres declared this week that he is yet to receive an approach from United as he stressed he is happy in Spain.
Though he conceded: “Everything is possible and I don’t rule anything out.”
