Ajax's star player, who has been linked to Manchester United, recently stated that Liverpool's pursuit of him is "getting closer."
In the past year, Man Utd has signed a number of fresh players because to Erik ten Hag's ties in the Dutch top division. They signed Antony and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax and raided Feyenoord for Tyrell Malacia last summer.
And the pattern might persist during the upcoming transfer window. Three additional Ajax stars were reportedly on Ten Hag's radar in January, according to a report. They were right-back Devyne Rensch, midfielder Kenneth Taylor, and center-half Jurrien Timber.
Of those three players, Timber is probably the one Ten Hag wants to sign the most. The Man Utd manager is looking for a new center defender to compete with Martinez and Raphael Varane and serve as a backup because he does not think Harry Maguire can play at the highest level.
The Red Devils would do well to secure Timber. Timber, who is only 21 years old, has already established himself as one of the Netherlands' most dependable defenders. Additionally, he has Champions League experience and can play on the right side of defense, making his signing even more desirable for Man Utd.
Ten Hag, however, runs the risk of losing out to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool for the talent. On April 18, news from the Netherlands showed that Liverpool had surpassed Manchester United in its pursuit of Timber. Even his girlfriend was rumored to be looking for a home in Liverpool.
The international player with 15 caps recently opened out about his future in an interview with Dutch publication De Telegraaf (via Fabrizio Romano).
He has said that he is "getting closer" to moving away from the Johan Cruyff Arena. Although he did not mention Liverpool by name, a move to Anfield may very well be on the horizon if earlier reports are to be believed.
“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.”
The deal Timber has with Ajax is valid until June 2025. But it won't be enough to escape the grasp of one of the biggest sides in Europe.
Timber will utilize his demand for a move away from Ajax to his advantage because he is aware of it. Despite their desire to keep him, the Dutch organization knows they can sell him for a significant profit. Although the precise cost to Liverpool or Manchester United is unknown, transfermarkt values him at €42 million (£37 million).
If Liverpool were to outbid Ten Hag's team for Timber, it would be a great acquisition.
Timber might pick up tips from fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk. The Reds' star has previously said that Timber is more proficient than he was at 21.Timber might end up being the ideal stand-in for Van Dijk in Klopp's defense given his advanced age of 31. Although the latter will command a colossal price, it would be incredible if Liverpool could lineup Timber alongside Josko Gvardiol in the future.
Man United eyes Raphael Varane's replacement
In order to deal with the injuries and lack of form plaguing Manchester United's defense, manager Erik ten Hag has had to rearrange his squad.
Due to the absence of his two first-choice center backs, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, the Dutch manager was obliged to start left-back Luke Shaw at the center of the defense.
new signature Tyrell Malacia has had trouble lately, allowing goals from the opposition due to errors against Sevilla and Tottenham.
Due to this, United's manager has deployed right-back Diogo Dalot on the left flank, which surprisingly suggests that Ten Hag may be open to adding reinforcements there.
Dalot will naturally return to his favoured right-back position if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves in the summer, and a backup left-back may be added.
Ferland Mendy is reportedly up for sale, and several Premier League clubs, including United, are lining up to make offers for him, according to Fichajes.
Ferland Mendy is one of the players with whom Real Madrid would seek to make cash throughout the next summer transfer market.
“Several Premier League teams such as Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle or Manchester City, who would value offering close to 60 million euros to take over the services of the French footballer,” the report added.
Mendy, who was signed by Zinedine Zidane for €55 million, hasn't performed as well as the Los Blancos would have wanted, particularly on offense.
However, no one has ever questioned his defensive skills, and he is able to play short passes, which relieves pressure and counters an opponent's press.
The French international is extremely adaptable, with the ability to play both as a left midfielder and as a center back. The 20-time English league champions may opt to pay this much for the defender, although it seems doubtful.
The former Olympique Lyon player Mendy has a dismal track record when it comes to injuries, missing 20 games in two separate instances this season as a result.
It appears like Arsenal and Newcastle need left-back reinforcements more than any other team, therefore Madrid may be using this as leverage to get those two teams to make offers for the 27-year-old.
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