Dutch star linked with Manchester United admits transfer is 'getting closer and closer'

Tom Hancock
·2 min read
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on during the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United and Sevilla at Old Trafford on April 13, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber, a rumoured transfer target for Manchester United, has hinted that he is 'getting closer and closer' to agreeing a move this summer.

The Netherlands international, 21, played under United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax and has also been linked with a switch to Liverpool.

And, after committing to Ajax for the current season, Timber has spoken quite openly about what his future might hold.

Jurrien Timber of Ajax in action during the Eredivisie match between Ajax and Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff Arena on April 9, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Jurrien Timber of Ajax in action during the Eredivisie match between Ajax and Fortuna Sittard at the Johan Cruijff Arena on April 9, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Ahead of Sunday's Dutch Cup final against PSV, Timber told De Telegraaf:

"A transfer is getting closer and closer, to to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year, Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy, I did that with love, and after the season we will review the situation.

"At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday. But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax. I'm still here anyway and I'm in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition."

Timber joined Ajax from arch-rivals Feyenoord back in 2014, eventually signing his first professional contract four years later at the age of 17.

Ten Hag handed him his debut in March 2020, and he's gone on to make over 100 appearances for the 36-time Dutch champions, becoming a mainstay of the side and helping them to back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Since making his senior international debut in June 2021, Timber – who Transfermarkt currently values at just under £40m – has earned 15 caps for the Netherlands, featuring in four of their five games at last year's World Cup – including the quarter-final defeat to Argentina.