Former Netherlands and Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder has warned Manchester United and other Premier League clubs away from Jurrien Timber by claiming he 'loses every header'.
United were linked with a move for Timber last summer as Erik ten Hag worked to bring several of his former Ajax stars to Old Trafford. The Dutchman instead sanctioned a deal for defensive partner Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Timber has maintained his role as an ever-present with the Dutch side, racking up 40 appearances across all competitions. But a relatively poor season all-round has left the Amsterdam club eight points off top-of-the-table Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
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The 21-year-old has continued to be linked with a move to the Premier League throughout this season, with United and Liverpool said to have retained their interest heading into the summer. But while Sneijder has praised the 'smart' Timber, he has warned that the young defender would not thrive with the physicality of English football.
"He’s a smart lad and a really good defender," the former Ajax star told Dutch TV show Veronica Offside. "But he loses every header and in England – against those wardrobes in the Premier League – that will be his downfall."
United have reportedly had eyes on a number of central defenders, with the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof uncertain. The pair have fallen down the pecking order under Ten Hag and could look for more regular minutes as they close in on 30 years old.
In March, Timber confirmed there was interest, and the Dutchman refused to rule out leaving the Dutch outfit this summer.
"Transfer? You never know what crosses your path," Timber said. "This summer I will look at my options and make a decision. I feel good at Ajax, that's important for now. Last summer there was interest, but I chose to stay at Ajax."
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