Third Man Utd raid on Ajax stopped in its tracks as Fabrizio Romano sends Ten Hag bleak update

Erik ten Hag has learned that any efforts to tempt Ajax into a third sale of the season to Manchester United will face immediate rejection, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are upwardly mobile under the Dutchman and have high hopes of bringing Champions League football back to Old Trafford. However, while though hopes were curtailed somewhat by Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at Arsenal.

As a result, Roy Keane was quick to put United back in their place with four problem players highlighted.

However, the defeat is unlikely to jar the feel-good factor at United for too long. Home wins this season over the Gunners, as well as Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City show Ten Hag has his side heading in the right direction.

After lavishing over £200m on new players in the summer, expectations were high of a United improvement. And while the process will not happen overnight, signs over the first six months of his United reign are certainly encouraging.

Three of United’s eight signings so far under the Dutchman have come from the Eredivisie. And more specifically, two of them – Lisandro Martinez and Antony – have come from Ajax.

Having played under Ten Hag for the Amsterdam giants, the two players know the United boss extremely well.

Now talk lately has claimed United and Ten Hag could be planning a third raid on Ajax – this time for Mohammed Kudus.

The Ghananian star has been in excellent form this season, scoring 10 times and laying on two assists. Capable of playing either as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper forward role, Kudus has caught the eye of several top suitors.

And with United among his admirers, talk of a reunion with Ten Hag has done the rounds in recent weeks.

Man Utd, Chelsea learn chances of raids on Ajax

Kudus isn’t the only Ajax star earning attention either.

Back in the summer, Chelsea were pushing to sign their Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez.

Now reports are suggesting Graham Potter’s side could rekindle that interest in the closing weeks of the summer window.

Co-owner Todd Boehly is desperate to get his hands on a new midfielder this month. And with our exclusive revealing the huge fee Brighton are demanding for Moises Caicedo, Alvarez could prove a cheaper alternative.

However, trusted transfer guru Romano has stopped both those links dead in their tracks. And, speaking to Caught Offside, he has explained why Ajax have no intention of parting with their crown jewels during the winter window.

“It’s gone a bit quiet on Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus recently,” he said. “And at the moment I don’t see Ajax selling their stars in January. That is not easy at all.

“Let’s see if some English club will move but it’s really not easy after they sold many players in the summer.”

Of the two sides, it is Chelsea who are most likely to try and pounce for Alvarez.

The Blues have made no secret of their quest to strengthen in midfield. And with both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante out of contract this summer, the issue is about to become pressing for those in power at Stamford Bridge.

As for United, they are likely to keep their powder dry this month.

Having brought in Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst, it would come as no shock if United were done this month.

But the club will likely be extremely active again come the summer with multiple targets on Ten Hag’s radar.

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