Man Utd land on Harry Maguire upgrade as Fabrizio Romano gives Ten Hag hopes of deal for quality Dutch defender
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been given hope of securing a third raid of his reign on Ajax – this time for a defender whom Fabrizio Romano claims is very much open to a transfer to a big club.
The Red Devils have made remarkable strides under Ten Hag – save last Sunday’s mauling at Anfield – since he took charge last summer. And, having already won the Carabao Cup this season, they will hope that is just the start.
Indeed, United’s recovery from last season’s malaise was kickstarted by a number of changes of personnel at Old Trafford. Several players departed and in their place came six new signings; many of whom Ten Hag knew well.
To that end, two of those came from his previous club, Ajax, in the form of defender Lisandro Martinez and attacker Antony. And while United had to pay premium fees for both players, the pair have played a part in helping to revive United’s fortunes.
As a result, Ten Hag continues to be linked with additional raids on Ajax. And on Tuesday evening, the United boss was once linked with a summer swoop for the Dutch giants’ latest in-demand star, Mohammed Kudus.
However, his next raid on Ajax might well come in defence.
With question marks continuing to surface over Harry Maguire, the United skipper could be allowed to move on this summer. And having fallen behind Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order, the situation is likely to soon come to a head.
His exit, though, would leave a hole to fill.
As a result, Ten Hag is reportedly casting his eyes back towards Jurrien Timber.
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Romano rates Man Utd chances of signing Jurrien Timber
The 21-year-old was on United’s radar last summer prior to their capture of Martinez.
However, it seems they could now be ready to go back in for him with the player himself fancying a move away.
Now Romano, speaking to Caught Offside, insists Ten Hag remains a massive fan.
“Erik ten Hag is always been big fan of Jurrien Timber but there’s nothing new or concrete at this stage,” Romano said. “Nothing to report about Manchester United, as of now.
“Ajax don’t even want to speak to clubs about Timber now. But it will be something to see in June – for sure. Timber signed a short contract last year because his dream remains to join another top European club in the future.”
That contract keeps Timber at the Johan Cruyff ArenA until summer 2025. As such, Ajax are reportedly open to his possible sale this summer while he retains peak value.
Capable of covering both at centre-half and right-back, a swoop for Timber certainly makes a lot of sense for United.
Ten Hag is also shopping around for a new right-back this summer. As a result, the signing Timber as cover for both positions would potentially prove smart business.
His arrival could also hasten up Maguire’s departure too, while it would potentially place Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future at risk.
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