Edwin van der Sar hails Daley Blind as Ajax move draws closer

Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar has branded Daley Blind "a fantastic player" as the Dutch giants reportedly close in on a deal for the Manchester United midfielder.

Ajax are believed to have agreed a £14m deal with United to re-sign the 28-year-old this summer.

Blind made over 140 appearances for Ajax before joining United in 2014, and Van der Sar has paid tribute to the Dutchman as a move draws closer.

Van der Sar told Omnisport: "I think Daley is a fantastic player. He's multi-functional, can be a left-back, centre-half and a defensive midfielder. For Netherlands and for Manchester United, he played many good games.

"I think it's no secret that we are still looking for a central defender and, if possible, it would be a great addition for Ajax to have a player with the quality of Daley to fit in the team."

Blind has been left out of the United squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.