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Jurrien Timber 'to reject Manchester United in favour of Ajax stay'

Jurrien Timber 'to reject Man United in favour of Ajax stay'
© Reuters
Manchester United reportedly suffer a blow in their pursuit of Jurrien Timber, with the defender keen to stay at Ajax this summer.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is reportedly ready to turn down a summer move to Manchester United.

The 20-year-old has allegedly been identified by the Red Devils as a leading transfer target, having impressed under the English club's new head coach Erik ten Hag last season.

Timber featured on 43 occasions for his Amsterdam club last term, contributing three goals and two assists, and there have been suggestions that he could be available for around £30m this summer.

However, according to Dutch reporter Mike Verweij, the defender feels that it is too risky to move to Man United at this stage of his career.

As a result, the Netherlands international is keen to remain with Ajax for at least another season.

Timber has allegedly not yet made a final decision, though, and he will think about his future while on holiday, having finished representing his country in their recent UEFA Nations League fixtures.

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

Addressing his future at the end of May, the youngster said that his "gut feeling will be the deciding factor" when it comes to a possible move this summer.

"In the end, my gut feeling will be the deciding factor," De Telegraaf quoted Timber as saying. "The picture has to be right.

"You can go to a big club. But if you're not going to play there it's better to stay with Ajax. And Ajax is also a big club. We play football in the Champions League and I play there together with the best players in the Netherlands. That is not nothing.

"Of course, I can develop further [at Ajax]. I am 100% sure of that. I don't feel like I'm done at the club. But I can also develop at other clubs. I am now focusing on the upcoming international matches and then go on holiday. Then I'll have to think about it some more."

Timber is believed to have a close relationship with Ten Hag, though, and recently said that the 52-year-old was "very important" to him.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on May 22, 2022© Reuters

"I'm good at Ajax. I can still learn a lot, especially if we continue to play in the Champions League," Timber told Het Parool earlier this year.

"He deserves it (the Man United job). Ten Hag has been very important to me personally. Under him I became the footballer, the man I am today. The coach talked to me a lot. He's been very critical, in a good, constructive way. I won't forget it any time soon."

The defender has made 74 appearances for the Amsterdam giants in all competitions, contributing four goals and two assists in the process.

Man United are believed to be keen to sign at least one new centre-back this summer, and Timber's ability to play as a right-back is believed to have made him appealing to the club.

However, the 20-time English champions could now be forced to look elsewhere, with Villarreal's Pau Torres also believed to be a target during this summer's transfer window.

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