Donny van de Beek could reportedly leave Manchester United during this summer's transfer window, with the Netherlands international ready to 'explore options on the market'.
The 26-year-old is in the latter stages of his recovery from a knee operation, and he is well on course to be available for the start of pre-season training in the coming weeks.
However, the midfielder's long-term position at Old Trafford is unclear, as he has found it difficult to impress for the Red Devils since arriving from Ajax in September 2020.
Van de Beek has represented Man United on 60 occasions, scoring twice and providing two assists, but he ended last season on loan at Everton, while he missed the second half of this campaign due to a serious knee injury.
The Dutchman featured on 10 occasions for the Red Devils in 2022-23 before his injury, and he had started to enjoy a run in the side ahead of his knee operation.
© Reuters
However, there is no obvious route into Erik ten Hag's first XI at this moment in time, with Bruno Fernandes - his direct competition for an advanced midfield role - a vital player for the team.
Ten Hag has also been reluctant to use Van de Beek in a deeper area; summer departures for Fred and Scott McTominay would, in theory, push the Dutchman higher up the pecking order.
However, Man United are expected to sign at least one midfielder in the upcoming market, with Chelsea's Mason Mount thought to be a leading target for the club.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Van de Beek 'loves the Red Devils', but the midfielder understands that he needs to be playing regular football at this stage of his career.
© Reuters
"Donny van de Beek will explore options on the market in the next weeks as he could leave Man United," Romano wrote on his official Twitter account.
"Donny loves the club and ten Hag but he needs and wants to play regularly next season. Told he'll be ready for pre-season after long injury."
Van de Beek had been a vital player for Ajax before his arrival at Old Trafford, representing the Dutch giants on 175 occasions, scoring 41 goals and registering 34 assists in the process.
As well as Mount, Man United are also believed to be keeping a close eye on Declan Rice, with the England international widely expected to leave West Ham United this summer.
However, a move for the Hammers captain could cost in the region of £100m, and the club's priority this summer is to sign a new number nine, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane said to be the leading target.
Matt Law
