Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in completing a deal to sign midfielder Donnie van de Beek this summer.
A report emerged from the Netherlands on Saturday which claimed United had approached Ajax over a deal for Van de Beek after seeing Real Madrid’s pre-agreed £60m bid for the Dutchman. 45m is reluctant to finalize the move.
Real Madrid have been chasing Van de Beek since last summer/Socrate Images/Getty Images
Speaking to NOS, van der Sar admitted that the two sides had been in contact about a possible transfer, but warned his former side that they only discussed concessions due to the coronavirus outbreak. It should not be expected.
“It is clear that clubs like Real Madrid and United are showing an interest in Donnie van de Beek,” he revealed.
“In a crisis, some clubs are always taken advantage of, clubs that are in trouble and may have to sell for less money. But I think we are lucky to have a strong financial policy. It means That we do not necessarily have to sell.”
Edwin van der Sar says Ajax won’t sell for cheap / DeFoddy Images / Getty Images
The Sunday Times claimed United would look to push the price closer to the £36m mark, but it looks as though Van der Sar is ready to stand his ground.
“The change in the value of our players? I don’t see that changing,” he said. “It’s not like we’re putting everyone up for sale now. We know our players are passionate and want to take the next step towards a big league, but only for the terms that Ajax have asked for. “
Van der Sar also refused to be drawn on speculation that Real had already agreed a deal to sign Van de Beek, but revealed that he had promised both Van de Beek and Hakeem Zech. That they will be allowed to leave this summer.
Hakim Ziyech has already agreed to join Chelsea/Socrates Images/Getty Images
“I’m not answering that (whether Van de Beek had a deal with Real Madrid),” he said. “After last year’s special Champions League year, there was already interest for Hakeem and Dhoni. Then we said to these players: not this year, next year there will be a new opportunity.”
United are still pushing for deals for Jaden Sancho, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, but it looks like the chance to sign Van de Beek has proved too good to turn down.
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