United's interest in young defender keeps increasing
The red half of Manchester are reportedly going after one of Ajax best young defenders
Erik Ten Hag's effect is starting to feel in Manchester as the manager asked for a defender who the Dutchman himself gave him his official Eredivisie debut with just 18 years old back in 2020, during his time at Ajax: Jurrien Timber.
The interest in the central defender, who also can play the role of a right-back, is not entirely based on Ten Hag's personal taste for players, but most on the weakness in the defensive third Manchester United had last year, where they conceded 57 goals in 38 games.
Captain Harry Maguire's bad form and the repeated injuries to Eric Bailly and Phil Jones made The Red Devils face the season mostly depending on Rafael Varane, who also did not show the level that he used to have at Real Madrid and what made United pay 40M pounds for the Frenchman.
Timber can bring the fresh air and the youth red side of Manchester needs to get back in the top-flight once for all. The 20-year-old, who has 6 appearances with the Dutch national team, was valued by Ajax at 43 million pounds.
Knowng that price and the risk of making a big investment in a young player, Ten Hag is also monitoring Villarreal and Spain centre back Pau Torres, who has a release clause of 60M euros but three more years of experience in first division than Timber.
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