Manchester United given green light to sign long-standing transfer target-reports

Jurrien Timber has been a key player for Ajax and the Dutch national team

PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester United given green light to sign long-standing transfer target-reports

Mark Kinyanjui 20:49 - 29.04.2023

Ten Hag is not fully satisfied with the defensive options at his disposal to partner Lisandro Martinez.

Manchester United have reportedly been given the green light in their pursuit of 70 million-pound Ajax defender, Julien Timber.

Erik ten Hag’s charges have long been linked with a move for the highly-rated Netherlands international ever since his arrival at Old Trafford following years of sustained success at Ajax.

United were interested in signing him last season, but could not convince him to leave Ajax after his then national team manager, Louis Van Gal advised him against making the move before the World Cup in Qatar.

However, the Red Devils were able to convince Timber’s teammates, Lisandro Martinez and Antony to come to the club for a combined fee of £140 million.

However, the three-time Champions League winners may finally get their wishes fulfilled, as Timber hinted at the possibility of leaving Amsterdam this summer.

“My transfer is getting closer. There is a lot of specific interest for the summer”, he told Der Telegraaf. “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.”

Ten Hag has shown in his first season that he is not fully satisfied with the defensive options at his disposal to partner Lisandro Martinez.

Raphael Varane has been the World Cup winner’s most trusted partner but has had his fair share of injury issues, making him unreliable. 

Harry Maguire has clearly fallen out of favor, starting just six league games this season while Victor Lindelof has also been largely reduced to an emergency backup.

In certain situations, the Dutchman has even chosen to start Luke Shaw at center-back, including in their win against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals.

You can understand then, why United heavily want Timber. Besides, he can also play as a right-back. Although Diogo Dalot has proven himself to be the first choice, the club are open to allowing Aaron Wan Bissaka leave.