Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch believes it could cost Manchester United "50 to 60" million euros to prize highly-rated defender Jurrien Timber away from Ajax this summer.
United, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News earlier this month, have placed Timber right at the very top of their wish list as far as their pursuit of a new defender is concerned. The 21-year-old, who can operate at both right-back and centre-back, excelled at Ajax last season, scooping their Young Talent of the Year award.
The Netherlands international has been regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since Erik ten Hag was installed as United's new manager back in April. The Reds are desperate to strengthen their defensive options this summer following a disastrous 2021/22 campaign.
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Despite Timber's lack of experience, he is an individual with enormous potential. He is considered as one of the best young defenders in Europe and is not short of admirers.
However, although United's hopes of signing Timber are still alive, former Ajax midfield ace Gravenberch, who left the Johan Cruyff Arena to join Bayern earlier this month, believes the Reds would have to part with a big-money fee to stand any chance of landing his fellow countryman. That is because the midfielder has identified him as one of the next players who could leave Amsterdam this summer, along with Davy Rensch.
"I think they will both bring in a nice amount," Gravenberch told Voetbal International. "If they still have a good and solid contract with Ajax, I think they will both leave for fifty to sixty million euros."
Ajax, as has been a trend in recent years, are facing the prospect of losing several key members of their squad this summer. Gravenberch has already been snapped up by Bayern, as has Noussair Mazraoui, while Sebastian Haller is edging ever closer to joining Borussia Dortmund.
United, of course, have set their sights on landing Ajax winger Antony as well, meaning Ten Hag, if he gets his way, could complete a double raid on his former club.
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