Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'learn asking price for Ajax's Jurrien Timber'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 May 2023

Man United 'learn asking price for Ajax's Jurrien Timber'

Manchester United would have to pay around £44m in order to sign Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United would reportedly have to part with a fee of around €50m (£44m) in order to sign Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber during this summer's transfer window.

Timber was one of the first players to be linked with the Red Devils last summer following the appointment of Erik ten Hag as the club's new head coach.

Man United eventually switched their interest to Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez, though, with Timber signing a new three-year contract with the Dutch giants last August.

There is again speculation surrounding the 21-year-old's future, with the 20-time English champions said to be preparing to reignite their interest, while Liverpool have also been linked with his services.

Timber recently hinted that he could be on the move this summer amid the recent speculation.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber pictured in April 2021 © Reuters

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Ajax 'definitely want to keep' Timber due to his status as a key player, with the defender making 43 appearances in all competitions this term.

However, the Dutchman is keen to join 'a top club', and he could be allowed to leave during this summer's transfer window for a fee in the region of €50m (£44m).

At this stage, there are allegedly 'no concrete offers' for Timber, but Man United head coach Ten Hag remains a huge admirer of the player that he managed at Ajax.

The centre-back has featured on 30 occasions in the Eredivisie this season, scoring once and providing two assists, but Ajax are currently down in third position in the table, 11 points behind leaders Feyenoord.

Netherlands and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber pictured in June 2021 © Reuters

Timber joined Ajax from Feyenoord in 2014, and he progressed through the various youth sides at the club before making his first-team debut in March 2020.

The defender has made 117 appearances for his current side in all competitions, contributing five goals and four assists in the process.

Man United's main priority for the upcoming transfer window is to sign a centre-forward, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane viewed as their leading target.

However, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez and Napoli's Victor Osimhen have also been linked with moves to the 20-time English champions ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Man United are also expected to move for a new central midfielder, but a central defence could be another priority position if club captain Harry Maguire is allowed to leave, with Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones also set to depart at the end of the campaign.