Jurrien Timber has been identified as a priority defensive target for Manchester United and that would-be transfer could see the Netherlands starlet grab his dream shirt number. Timber, 20, is currently away with the national team for their ongoing Nations League charge.
After bursting on to the scene under Erik ten Hag at Ajax - renowned for producing world-class talents - Timber is among several players being tipped to follow the Dutchman to Old Trafford in time for next season. He remains the top target for United and Ten Hag when it comes to their search for a centre-back.
Other items on the radar for his much-needed rebuild include at least one central midfielder and a versatile option in attacking quarters. Timber could well be the first to arrive if he agrees to a switch - but what shirt number would the defender be assigned?
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While his career remains in its early stages, Timber has already shown a preference for the No.2 shirt. It was a feature of his time in the famed Amsterdam system and has, also, been assigned to the centre-back during the last two seasons at senior level.
Timber wears No.2 for the Netherlands, as well, but as things stand Victor Lindelof occupies that jersey at Old Trafford and has done since his arrival from Benfica in 2017. However, there could perhaps be a scenario in which the Sweden captain gives up No. to grab his own dream jersey.
Departures for Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic - with others expected to follow - have opened up options. Lindelof wore No.14 at Benfica and that has been freed up by Lingard's release.
So would he be tempted to change for Timber? Another possible choice for Lindelof would be the No. 3 strip that he wears for the Sweden national team. However, that remains occupied by Eric Bailly - as things stand - but he could feasibly leave Old Trafford this summer.
Having confirmed their summer departures, Pogba (6), Mata (8), Lingard (14), Cavani (21), Lee Grant (13) and Matic (31) will vacate those shirt numbers for summer signings or players within the current squad who fancy a change. Other jerseys up for grabs are; 12, 24, 30, 32 and 35.
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