Brian Brobbey is set to re-join Ajax after personally calling Erik ten Hag to let him know he's not interested in signing for Manchester United.
The 20-year-old striker was linked with a move to Old Trafford after an impressive loan spell at Ajax last season, scoring seven league goals to fire the Amsterdam outfit to a second successive Eredivisie title. Ten Hag, of course, was the manager of Ajax at the time.
Brobbey came through the ranks at Ajax and was given his chance in the first team by Ten Hag. He joined RB Leipzig 12 months ago but struggled to make an impact in Germany, failing to score from his 14 games. Ajax have an option to make his loan permanent.
Reports suggested United are trying to derail Brobbey's permanent return to Ajax but, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, their attempt has failed. It's claimed the youngster called Ten Hag 'himself' to let him know he wants to continue his career in Amsterdam.
Ten Hag and Brobbey have held several telephone calls in recent weeks to discuss a transfer and the player has joked about joining United. "I am very happy for him and he really deserves it after everything he has done for Ajax," said Brobbey in April, shortly after Ten Hag's appointment was confirmed. "If only he brings me with him in two years... joking!"
Yet it appears the final call between the pair has left Ten Hag disappointed.
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Ajax are reportedly 'hurting' at having to pay a transfer fee for a player who came through their ranks, but technical manager Gerry Hamstra and colleague Klaas-Jan Huntelaar believe there's no better striker available for his price tag. He's valued at £12.8million.
Ajax chiefs think they will be able to sell Brobbey for a profit in the future. The Dutch champions recently flogged striker Sebastien Haller to Borussia Dortmund for an initial €31m (£26.4m) after signing him from West Ham for €22.5m (£20.3m) 18 months earlier.
Ajax are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Francisco Conceicao - also known as Chiquinho - from Porto for €5m (£4.3m). The 19-year-old forward scored two goals in all competitions last season, helping Porto win a league and cup double in Portugal.
Ten Hag has made two signings since since starting work at Old Trafford two months ago - defender Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and free agent Christian Eriksen. United are expected to sign defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax in the coming days.
The Red Devils remain hopeful of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, despite the Dutchman wanting to stay in Spain. They have agreed an initial £63m fee with Barcelona for De Jong and are currently trying to persuade him to move to Manchester.
De Jong played under Ten Hag at Ajax before joining Barcelona in July 2019, helping them win a league and cup double during his final year in Amsterdam. Cash-strapped Barcelona are keen to sell the midfielder as they want to free up funds to sign new players.
