Mohammed Kudus has revealed he would like to stay at Ajax amid reported transfer interest from Manchester United.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford where he would reunite with old boss Erik ten Hag, having scored an impressive 18 goals in 35 appearances this season. Kudus, who has just over two years' left on his contract, has also chipped in with five assists and is showing why so many top European sides are keen to sign him.
Kudus endured a tricky start to the season under Alfred Schreuder but has since turned his fortunes around following the appointment of ex-Everton defender John Heitinga. He has been excellent since the World Cup and Ajax have pilled the pressure back on Feyenoord at the top of Eredivisie.
Ten Hag is understood to be keen on Kudus and bringing him to Manchester. However, the highly-rated midfielder is not currently thinking about moving. When asked about the possibility to staying at Ajax, Kudus told De Telegraaf: "I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double.
"Why wouldn't I want to renew? I play and develop well. Now it's about negotiation and valuation. When the time is right, we’ll see how it goes. But that will have to be conducted with my agent. I want to focus entirely on the title race."
Kudus was very close to joining Everton last summer but Ajax blocked the move at the eleventh hour, having already lost Lisandro Martinez and Antony to United. The Dutch giants didn't want to weaken their squad further - and Kudus has admitted he is grateful the club didn't let him leave for the Toffees.
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He continued: "The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me. I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I wasn’t playing here.
"But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was because of my reserve role.
"I eliminated that problem myself. Everton are not doing well in the Premier League, Ajax are in the title race and under John Heitinga I am a permanent fixture. I have a strong faith in God and he has made the positive decision for me not to let the transfer go through."
As for United, Ten Hag is expected to dip into the transfer market this summer as he tries to bolster his squad and Kudus is expected to be one of his top transfer targets. Meanwhile, a striker is also on the menu for the Red Devils with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen both linked.
