Jurrien Timber set to sign new contract at Ajax following Manchester United snub

Manchester United transfer target Jurrien Timber is set to put pen to paper on a new contract with Ajax, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 21-year-old was a standout performer for Ajax last season, featuring in 30 of their 34 league matches and helping the Amsterdam outfit secure their fourth straight Eredivisie title.

Timber’s string of impressive performances at the heart of the Ajax defence caught the eye across Europe, with Manchester United keen to snap up the Dutchman.

Erik Ten Hag, who took over the reins from Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford, was reportedly keen on a reunion with the 21-year-old, who helped Ajax to 16 clean sheets in the league last season.

Primarily a centre-back, Timber’s versatility underpins his overall brilliance as he is also adept at playing at right-back, a department the Red Devils are looking to strengthen this summer.

However, de Godenzonen were reluctant to let go of their star defender, with new head coach Alfred Schreuder revealing the player’s desire to remain at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

“I have spoken with Jurrien and I am assuming he is staying at Ajax,” Schreuder told ESPN via Fabrizio Romano.

“Timber is a smart guy, and he knows what’s best for himself. We think he is not done yet at Ajax.”

The 21-year-old’s reluctance to jump ship this summer forced Manchester United to turn to Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez, who they snapped up for £46.5 million.

The Eredivisie champions are now reportedly closing in on a new contract for Timber as they look to tie down the promising Dutchman for the foreseeable future.

Jurrien Timber rose through the ranks at the Ajax academy before breaking into the senior team in the 2020-21 campaign, where he made 26 appearances across all competitions.

He featured on 38 different occasions for de Godenzonen last term, scoring three goals and setting up two, while he has made eight appearances for the Netherlands national team since his debut in January 2021.