Manchester United have been dealt a blow after transfer target Jurrien Timber intimated he will opt to stay at Ajax this summer.
The defender had been identified by Erik ten Hag as an option to strengthen United’s back four, with Timber capable of playing at centre-back and right-back.
The Dutchman had been open to a move to Old Trafford but he wanted assurances over playing time, particularly ahead of the World Cup in November.
And Dutch reporter Mike Verweij says Timber has determined that it’s too much of a risk to move to Old Trafford at this point in time and he is minded to stay at Ajax.
Timber will go on holiday this week to make a final decision on his future but he’s now leaning heavily towards staying in Amsterdam.
It’s another blow to United’s transfer plans, with the Red Devils yet to make a signing this summer while rivals Liverpool and Manchester City have landed Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland respectively.
Strengthening his defence is low on Erik ten Hag’s priority list, which says more about the urgent need to sign players elsewhere than it does for the strength of United’s back four.
United are working on a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but the Spaniards want around £72m for the Dutchman, while United value him at closer to £52m.
The Red Devils have made an offer to free agent Christian Eriksen but the Dane will go on holiday before deciding his future.
MORE : Luis Suarez sends message to Darwin Nunez after completing Liverpool transfer
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