The agent of defender Jurrien Timber was spotted at ’s offices as Erik ten Hag plots a reunion with the youngster, according to reports.
Ten Hag was officially unveiled as the club’s new manager last Monday but had flown to the capital a week earlier – immediately following the conclusion of the Eredivisie season – to begin putting plans in place to overhaul the underperforming side.
Transfers will play a key part in the Dutchman’s revolution and he has been linked to a host of his former Ajax players – who know his philosophy and tactics like the back of their hand.
According to , the most advanced of those deals appears to be a move for Ajax’s Talent of the Year Timber.
The 20-year-old’s agent was seen at United’s London offices last week – the same base of operations Ten Hag has been working out of – and the youngster is open to joining the Red Devils.
Timber is a ‘big favourite’ of Ten Hag and the United boss is eager to be reunited at Old Trafford, with the club now pushing hard to try and secure a deal.
Ajax are believed to want as much as £35million for the versatile centre-back, who has also been tracked by German champions Bayern Munich.
His pre-existing relationship with Ten Hag gives United an advantage, though there is still a long way to go to get a deal over the line with Ajax desperate to retain the defender.
The Dutch champions have already lost Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer, with the contract rebel joining Bayern, and the Bavarians are also working on a deal for midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
Speaking about Timber earlier this month, Ten Hag was glowing in his praise, saying: ‘I think that all top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights.’
Addressing the speculation over his future, Timber himself told Het Parool: ‘I’m good at Ajax. I can still learn a lot, especially if we continue to play in the Champions League.’
On Ten Hag, the defender added: ‘He deserved it [the 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 that anytime soon.’
In addition to signing Timber, Ten Hag is also believed to want a new, top-quality striker, two central midfielders – one more defence-orientated and the other more attack-minded – as well as a right winger and right-back.
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