Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been handed a boost in his hopes of signing holding midfielder Edson Alvarez from his former club Ajax.
Ten Hag has identified the Mexican international as a summer transfer target for United as he aims to bolster his midfield options. Alvarez is valued for his versatility; primarily a holding midfield player in a midfield three but also capable of playing in the heart of defence.
A report from De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij now claims that Ajax view Alvarez as a ‘negotiable’ sale this summer – indicating that they will sit down with any interested clubs to talk about his future with the possibility of a deal. That follows an initial suggestion from The Athletic that Alvarez could be on United’s summer shortlist.
The report contrasts that position to the Dutch club’s stance of Antony, Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez – all linked with switches to Old Trafford – who would only be sold should irrefutable offers arise.
Ten Hag has been linked to Martinez, with the Argentine international identified as a potential target for United after missing out on a deal to sign his teammate Timber. Arsenal are also interested in a move for Martinez but are unlikely to be able to offer the same incentives for the versatile player, who is primarily a central defender.
The Gunners first made a move for Martinez last week despite the impressive partnership formed by Benjamin White and Gabriel last season. A report in De Telegraaf claims that the Gunners told Ajax they were prepared to offer £25.8million (€30m) for the defender but backed down after being informed that the player would not be sold.
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While a new central defender is on United’s summer radar, Ten Hag has ‘made clear’ that his two priority transfer targets in this summer window are Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen. Both former Ajax stars are at the very top of his wish list this summer, as first reported by the Sunday Mirror, and are fundamental to his new project at Old Trafford. The new United coach has explained to the club’s board that each midfielder is crucial to his style of play and has instructed them to secure their dealings.
Barcelona midfielder De Jong is a top transfer priority for Ten Hag and the pair held a phone call during which the coach outlined the role the player would enjoy under him as part of a charm offensive. Reports this weekend outlined how the midfielder has already cleared out his locker at Barca with a move appearing to edge closer.
Meanwhile, Danish playmaker Eriksen is available on a free transfer and United are believed to have tabled an offer. However, the former Tottenham ace also has proposals from Brentford - where he shone throughout the second half of last season after recovering from the cardiac arrest which he suffered during last summer's European Championship - and former club Spurs.
