Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico is the latest player to become linked wirh a switch to Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag has two reasons to not pursue transfer.
Tagliafico, 29, has emerged as a potential target alongside three other Ajax's players Jurrien Timber, Antony and Lisandro Martinez. According to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the Argentine looks set to 'finally' be ready to pursue a move to a 'top competition' following the arrival of Owen Wijndal from AZ Alkmaar, after first joining the Dutch side in 2018.
United officials see the 29-year-old as a potential recruitment for left-back. And with just a year left on his current deal, he is thought to be available for just under £10million.
Although United need to strengthen their squad, one area they are well covered at is left back, with both Luke Shaw and Alex Telles. Given the departures of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Lee Grant - other positions such as their attack and midfield are arguably the priority. And a switch to Old Trafford for Tagliafico could mean the club would be looking to part ways with either Shaw or Telles.
Telles is contracted to the club until 2024, while Shaw has entered the final year of his deal, although United have the option to extend it for a further year. However, United's main priority is the signing of Barcelona Frenkie de Jong, as they close in on a deal understood to be worth £69m. Meanwhile Antony's reunion with Ten Hag also looks set to be on the cards with the club pursuing a £40m transfer. The Brazilian did not attend Ajax's pre-season training on Friday amid negotiation talks.
Tagliafico, meanwhile, made just over 150 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax, scoring 16 goals and contributing to 17 assists along the way. The Dutch boss suggested Tagliafico would be open to the "next step," implying it could be a move to the Premier League.
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"I wouldn’t be quick to mention names, but if you look at the squad, there are a number of guys who are open to the next step," he told Dutch outlet Voetbal International, last year.
"Someone like Tagliafico is increasingly reaching an age when you want to take on the next challenge."
In addition, United target Timber is inclined to stay in Amsterdam beyond the summer, in order to be granted with an opportunity at the World Cup. And a deal for Martinez is proving difficult with the Red Devils battling for his signature against Arsenal.
