Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United in talks with Ajax Amsterdam over transfer of defender Jurrien Timber in summer
According to the Mirror, Manchester United are ‘pushing ahead’ with their intended summer move of securing the services of Ajax Amsterdam defender Jurrien Timber, snapping up the player after already convincing his manager Erik ten Hag to move to Old Trafford.
ten Hag will take over at the English giants at the end of the season, replacing Ralf Rangnick as the new head coach of the senior side. Rangnick will see his tenure as interim manager expire in the summer, paving the way for the Dutchman to take charge.
Alongside their new permanent manager, the Manchester side is also looking to raid Ajax for Timber, who has excelled in central defence for the Dutch side this term. The 20-year-old played a key role in helping the Amsterdam side secure a third consecutive Eredivisie title this season.
Timber may be young, but he has shown maturity beyond his age to keep up with the rest of his teammates in the first team and hold his ground. His performances for Ajax this campaign have made ten Hag keen to continue their working relationship at his new club.
ten Hag planning to rebuild
The new boss has big plans at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, with a massive squad rebuild expected to take place. The Red Devils are in the market for a new striker, a creative and holding midfielder, as well as a centre-back. If possible, and if the right players are available, new full-backs on both flanks may also be signed.
Plans seem to already be in motion, as United and Ajax are understood to be in talks over a transfer deal for Timber. The English giants are pushing ahead with a summer move for the central defender, who is expected to cost around £35m.
Central defence has been an area of concern for the Red Devils this term, with their current crop of options proving to be inconsistent with their performances on the pitch. Club captain Harry Maguire sticks out like a sore thumb, with the Englishman unable to hold his own against stronger opposition.
His partner last season, Victor Lindelof, has not done enough to nail down a starting spot in the team. This saw the club sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in order to reinforce the rearguard, but the Frenchman has not lived up to expectations.
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Timber may be young, but ten Hag knows how to get the best out of the starlet, as was evident this season. If he manages to make the player one of his summer signings, then he could prove to be a fresh and dependable defender that the team desperately needs.
The Premier League is unlike the Eredivisie, proving to be more physical and fast-paced in nature. If the Red Devils end up signing him, it will be curious to see how he gets along in the English top-flight and if he can sustain his displays on the pitch.
