Manchester United earmark Donny van de Beek as a cheaper alternative to Jack Grealish
According to the Evening Standard (h/t Birmingham Mail), Manchester United could turn their attention to Donny van de Beek rather than pay over the odds for Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa skipper is one of the best young midfielders in the league. He led from the front as the Villans staved off relegation on the last day of the season.
The 24-year-old’s performances have attracted United, who are keen to snap him up. However, Villa’s £80million asking price is proving to be a deal-breaker.
Although Grealish is a skilled player with a high ceiling, the price is absurdly high, especially under the current circumstances.
A cheaper alternative to Grealish is Van de Beek. Priced at a relatively modest £40m, he will cost significantly lesser than Grealish.
Van de Beek also put up better numbers than Grealish this season, albeit playing in a better team. He scored 10 goals and 11 assists prior to football being suspended. The season has now been declared null and void, making his efforts pointless.
The Dutchman caught the club’s eye in Ajax’s run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals in 2018. He scored key goals against both Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur, leading his side to within a heartbeat of the final.
Apart from the price, the fact that he has thrived at the top table of European football should also work in Van de Beek’s favour.
An effective player capable of putting up good numbers, United must do all they can to sign the Dutch international. The prospect of him forming a triad alongside Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba is a very enticing prospect.
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Van de Beek came through the youth ranks at Ajax. He has gone on to make 175 appearances for the club, bagging 41 goals and 34 assists.
