Donny van de Beek: Pundits discuss player leaving Ajax
Manchester United and Real Madrid both have a strong interest in signing Ajax's Donny van de Beek, according to Edwin van der Sar, a director for the Dutch champions. Van de Beek was heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu last summer, but now it appears United are set to challenge them for his signature.
Man Utd transfer news: Edwin van der Sar confirms United's interest in Donny van de Beek (Image: GETTY)
He said: "It’s clear that clubs like Real Madrid and United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek."
United are set to spend big in the upcoming window, despite the coronavirus pandemic restricting the amount they will be able to spend.
Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish are believed to be the Red Devils' two leading targets, but speculation suggests United won't spend more than £70million on a single player.
Instead, United could opt to put off their move to bring in Sancho until next year, focusing instead on Grealish and Jude Bellingham.
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Van der Sar downplayed any suggestions United would be able to get Van de Beek on a cheaper deal, as he opened up on an agreement Ajax made with their top talent.
"Last year, we made verbal agreements with [Andre] Onana, [Nicolas] Tagliafico and Van de Beek to stay another season, and then we look to help each other and find the next step in their careers,” he said.
"Nothing has changed. There won’t be a 50% discount. The clubs can forget about that.’
Meanwhile, ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti explained that United could opt against making a move for the playmaker due to Bruno Fernandes.
Speaking on ESPN FC, he insisted that United will probably have other priorities in the transfer window, and won't want to sign another central midfielder.
Marcotti said: "From United's perspective, I don't know [if it would be a good move].
"He's a very phenomenal player, but they already have Bruno Fernandes in that attacking midfield position.
"I would have thought they might have other priorities."