Jurrien Timber latest: Talks underway as Man Utd look to steal a march on rivals for top defender

Reports claim Manchester United have been in talks with Ajax over the possible signing of defender Jurrien Timber in the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have been tipped to make sweeping changes to the squad this summer with new manager Erik ten Hag at the helm. And it appears as though they are wasting no time, with The Guardian suggesting dialogue has begun over the capture of Timber. United’s defence leaked 57 Premier League goals in the season just finished.

And it is an obvious areas of concern for the new boss. Timber has been linked for some time as Ten Hag knows him well from their time together at Ajax.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: “I think that all top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights.”

That may well have been true but the 20-year-old looks set to move to Old Trafford.

Despite his tender years, the Utrecht-born starlet has already made 74 appearances in all competitions for Ajax. And he has also been capped six times by the Netherlands.

Ten Hag is clearly a big fan and believes he is a player who could make a real impact at the Theatre of Dreams. The report does not give any details as to how far the talks have gone.

But it is thought United would need to part with £43m to get their man.

Timber has class to solve twin issues

Manchester United struggled to sixth place in the top-flight standings in 2021-2022. A combination of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick failed to deliver the goods.

They will play only Europa League football next term but will target a top-four spot to get back in the Champions League.

To do that, the north-west giants need a revamp and in Timber, they could net a versatile player with a desire to succeed. He has already won two Eredivisie titles with the Amsterdam club plus the KNVB Cup.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are United’s main central defenders. None of the trio covered themselves in glory over the past ten months, with Maguire in particular picked out for criticism.

Timber would be competing with them for a starting berth but has another string to his bow. The talented youngster can also play at right-back, giving his manager options.

Spain international Pau Torres is another defender linked with United. It remains to be seen if they do continue to pursue the 25-year-old.

But landing Timber so early in the summer window would be a real coup for the club.

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