Liverpool on verge of winning race for prime Man Utd target as star confirms transfer is ‘getting closer’
Liverpool appear to be close to signing a Manchester United-linked star from Ajax after the player admitted his transfer is ‘getting closer’.
Man Utd have used Erik ten Hag’s connections with the Dutch top flight to sign several new players in the past 12 months. Last summer, they brought in Ajax duo Antony and Lisandro Martinez while also raiding Feyenoord for Tyrell Malacia.
And the trend could continue during the next transfer window. In January, a report named three more Ajax stars as being on Ten Hag’s radar. They were centre-half Jurrien Timber, midfielder Kenneth Taylor and right-back Devyne Rensch.
Timber is likely the man Ten Hag wants to sign most out of those three players. The Man Utd boss does not believe Harry Maguire has the ability to perform at the highest level and is therefore searching for a new central defender to provide competition and backup for Martinez and Raphael Varane.
Timber would be an excellent capture for the Red Devils. Despite being only 21 years old, Timber has proven himself to be one of the most reliable defenders in the Netherlands. Plus, he can also play on the right side of defence and boasts Champions League experience, two factors which make his signing even more appealing for Man Utd.
However, Ten Hag is at risk of losing out on the player to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. On April 18, reports emerging from the Netherlands revealed how Liverpool had moved ahead of Man Utd in the pursuit of Timber. And his girlfriend was even said to be house-hunting in Liverpool.
During an interview with Dutch source De Telegraaf (via Fabrizio Romano), the 15-cap international has spoken openly about his future.
He has revealed that his move away from the Johan Cruyff Arena is ‘getting closer’. While he did not specifically name Liverpool, a switch to Anfield could well be beckoning if previous reports are to be believed.
Liverpool, Man Utd target speaks about future
“My transfer is getting closer. There is a lot of specific interest for the summer,” he declared.
“Last summer, Ajax asked me to renew my contract and to stay for one more season. Out of love for the club, I did this.”
Timber’s contract with Ajax runs until June 2025. But it will not be enough to keep from the clutches of one of Europe’s biggest sides.
Timber knows he is in demand and will use this to push for a move away from Ajax. While the Dutch outfit would love to keep him, they know they will make a big profit on his sale. It is unknown exactly how much he would cost Liverpool or Man Utd, but transfermarkt value him at €42m (£37m).
Timber would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, should they beat Ten Hag’s side to an agreement.
Timber would be able to learn from compatriot Virgil van Dijk. The Reds star has already revealed that Timber is better than he was at 21.
With Van Dijk now 31, Timber could end up being the perfect replacement for him in Klopp’s defence. It would be incredible if Liverpool could line up Timber alongside Josko Gvardiol in defence in the future, although the latter will cost an astronomical fee.