Jurrien Timber becomes latest Man Utd transfer target set to reject Erik ten Hag

Jurrien Timber is set to become the latest Manchester United transfer target reject the club with the Netherlands international expected to stay at Ajax this summer.

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, per Metro, the 21-year-old feels that a move to Old Trafford is too big of a risk at this stage of his fledgling career and could opt to stick with Ajax. He had been identified by Erik ten Hag as an option to bolster United's back four after the Red Devils posted the worst defensive record out of last season's Premier League top seven.

Timber, a centre-back who can also play on the right of defence, enjoyed an excellent season in the Eredivisie as Ajax lifted the title. He featured in every league game as the Amsterdam club pipped PSV and Feyenoord to win the league for the third time in four seasons.

After featuring for Netherlands in their recent Nations League matches, Timber will go on holiday this week before making a final decision on his future. However, it is understood he is now leaning heavily towards staying at Ajax.

This would be another massive blow to Ten Hag's transfer plans, with United yet to make a signing this summer. Liverpool and Manchester City have been quick to bolster their ranks by adding Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland respectively, while Tottenham have also been busy in the window.

Chelsea are the only other 'big six' side not to make a transfer this month following the club's £4.5billion takeover. It seems that the Red Devils are seeking alternative options for Timber, although strengthening the defence is low on Ten Hag's priority list.

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United are desperate to add another midfielder to their ranks and have been working on a deal to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, but the move could prove to be complicated. The Catalan giants value him at around £72million, which is £20m more than what the Red Devils may be willing to pay.

Christian Eriksen has emerged as the latest midfield target after impressing for Brentford towards the end of last season, but the Denmark international will go on holiday before deciding his future. Tottenham and Leicester also remain interested in the player, who made 11 appearances for the Bees in 2021/22.

Other candidates for United include Leicester star Youri Tielemans and Wolves man Ruben Neves. Tielemans is set to leave Leicester as his contract expires in 2023.

A fee of around £25m has been touted for the 25-year-old Belgium international, who scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in May 2021. Meanwhile, Neves could also depart Wolves and has been linked with a move to Barcelona, United and Arsenal.