Jurrien Timber opens door to Ajax exit amid Manchester United, Liverpool links

The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the Ajax backline since coming through the club's youth academy and ended the 2022-23 campaign with two goals and two assists from 47 games.

Capable of playing as a right-back or centre-back, Timber boasts a total of six goals and four assists from 121 matches for the Amsterdam club, winning two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Beker in the process.

Timber's rapid rise at Ajax earned him his senior Netherlands debut at just 19 years old in 2021, while he also started four of their games at the 2022 World Cup under Louis van Gaal.

However, Timber's time in his homeland could soon be coming to an end, as his contract - which he only renewed in August - now has just two years left to run.

A move to Manchester United or Liverpool has been strongly mooted for Timber, who was recently seen attending the Red Devils' FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley.

After reporting for duty with the Netherlands ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final with Croatia, Timber was quizzed on his future by Vandaag Inside, and he refused to rule out an exit from Ajax in the coming weeks.

"Will I stay with Ajax anyway? I'm not sure, I can't say that," the 21-year-old responded. "I'm not in talks with Ajax now. My agent had a good talk a few times, but it's not like we're talking about anything right now."

Timber previously turned out for Feyenoord's youth teams before joining Ajax in 2014, and the Dutchman would reunite with former Ajax boss Ten Hag should he opt for a move to Man United.

The 53-year-old was thought to be pushing to bring Timber to the Theatre of Dreams upon his arrival last summer, but the Red Devils instead sealed deals for Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.

Martinez formed a crucial part of a backline that conceded a league-low 10 Premier League home goals in 2022-23, but the Red Devils are set to lose several other defenders in the coming weeks.

Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are both heading for the exit door, while the futures of Brandon Williams, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are also clouded in uncertainty.

However, the Red Devils are expected to prioritise the signing of a new striker before turning their attention to other areas of the field, and midfield additions could also take up some of their budget.

Meanwhile, Liverpool could be left short of right-back options if Calvin Ramsay completes an expected loan exit this summer, while James Milner - who often deputised in that role - will officially leave at the end of his contract this month.

Timber could therefore provide backup and competition to Trent Alexander-Arnold, while central duo Joel Matip and Nat Phillips may be allowed to depart in the coming weeks too.