Manchester United have been given a fresh chance to sign Jurrien Timber, with Ajax ready to listen to offers for the defender.
The Red Devils attempted to sign Timber last summer, but the Dutchman opted to reject a move to Old Trafford. Instead, he remained at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but Ajax have endured a disappointing season, with De Godenzonen currently third in the Eredivise.
That could now lead to a summer exodus of their star players, with Timber one of those attracting strong interest. The 21-year-old has featured heavily this term, making 43 appearances in all competitions from centre-back.
His importance to the team is obvious, with Sky Germany reporting Ajax chiefs 'definitely want' to keep him. But they have conceded that he is likely to leave and have set a price tag of £44million as a result.
So far, no concrete offers have been received, though Timber himself is said to want to join a 'top club'. One team that could be interested is United, with boss Erik ten Hag having worked with the defender during his spell as Ajax manager.
But, as Mirror Football exclusively revealed back in June, Ten Hag was left 'stunned' that Timber rejected the chance to join United. He told the Red Devils boss that he would not be moving to Manchester before the World Cup in Qatar.
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Timber had been spooked by then Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal warning that only players who are featuring regularly for their clubs would be selected in his squad. Lisandro Martinez ended up being United's sole summer signing in central defence.
But with Harry Maguire having endured yet another dreadful season, Ten Hag could again look to Timber as a reinforcement. Central defence is certainly on the Dutchman's shopping list when it comes to the summer window.
And Timber has already revealed that he will be leaving Ajax come the end of the season. He disclosed that he had come to an agreement with club chiefs last summer that saw him remain in Amsterdam for one more season.
“A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract," he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
"As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation. At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday.
"But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax. I’m still here anyway and I’m in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition.”
