Man Utd: Ten Hag could make first signing in £35m star at Old Trafford | OneFootball

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·22 May 2022

Man Utd: Ten Hag could make first signing in £35m star at Old Trafford

Article image:Man Utd: Ten Hag could make first signing in £35m star at Old Trafford
Article image:Man Utd: Ten Hag could make first signing in £35m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are holding ‘background discussions’ with Jurrien Timber and the Ajax defender could become Erik ten Hag’s first signing at Old Trafford, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Ten Hag will take over as the Red Devils’ new manager following their clash with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season but, ahead of officially moving into the dugout, he has already set his sights on securing reinforcements during the upcoming transfer window.


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What’s the latest news involving Timber?

According to the Mirror, Manchester United are pushing ahead with a move for Ajax centre-half Timber despite the opening of the summer window still being weeks away.

The report suggests the six-cap Netherlands international is in line to become ten Hag’s opening acquisition in the red half of Manchester and could set the club back £35million.

Should the Red Devils part with that figure, Timber would become the third most expensive central defender in the club’s history, behind Harry Maguire, Rio Ferdinand and Raphael Varane.

He has struck up a good relationship with ten Hag during their time together at Ajax, with him being selected 74 times by his fellow Dutchman.

Should Timber swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League, he would do so having clinched back-to-back titles in his homeland.

Jurrien Timber to Man United?! Find out more on The Football Terrace

What has Ryan Taylor said about Timber?

Taylor believes Timber and his representatives have been holding talks with Manchester United ahead of a potential summer switch.

The journalist feels a social media post by the 20-year-old’s agent suggests the completion of the move could be edging closer.

Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “Jurrien Timber seems to be really highly-rated. That’s one they can look at.

“Interestingly, I’ve just seen his agent posted a picture at an airport saying ‘time to close the deal’ and he doesn’t represent too many players.

“I’m not sure if that is United but, obviously, he’s been linked and there seems to be background discussions going on that could potentially see Timber being a target for United. That’ll be one to watch.”

Why is ten Hag looking to sign a new defender?

It has been a turbulent season for Manchester United, with Ralf Rangnick being in interim charge since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November.

They have missed out on Champions League qualification and a big reason for that has been the Red Devils’ poor defensive record, with them conceding more goals than any other club in the Premier League’s top seven.

Leicester City, Liverpool, Watford, Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion have scored four or more against Manchester United, which simply is not good enough if they want to seriously challenge for silverware next term.

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