Man Utd have secret weapon to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber amid interest from Liverpool

Manchester United have a secret weapon to help sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.

Timber has been a primary transfer target for Erik ten Hag, who knows the player well from his time managing Ajax.

The 21-year-old was rumoured with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but pledged his allegiance to the Amsterdam club instead.

However, speculation has continued to grow around Timber's next destination, with Liverpool reportedly also keen on the versatile centre-back.

The Dutchman's girlfriend was said to be house-hunting in Merseyside earlier this month, suggesting a move to Anfield was on the cards.

Indeed, Timber recently confirmed his intention to leave Ajax this summer, and whilst his destination remains unclear, United may have a trick up their sleeve to help lure him to the theatre of dreams.

Timber drops transfer hint

The Red Devils are well stocked in central defence, though Timber's ability to play right-back, as he has done for the Netherlands, could prove useful.

Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have both been rumoured with moves away, and Ten Hag is thought to want to add a right-back to his ranks.

While he would help provide competition for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate within Jurgen Klopp's defence.

Wherever he ends up, Timber looks set to move on to pastures new at the end of the season.

Speaking to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, he said: "A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.

Explaining his decision to snub a move to United last summer, Timber said: "Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation.

"At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday. But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax.

"I’m still here anyway and I’m in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition."

Timber went on to discuss former teammate Lisandro Martinez, who was one of the first names through the door after Ten Hag took over at United.

Ten Hag will hope that the Argentinian's presence, along with United's expected Champions League status, will be determining factors in Timber's decision.

“I know how great it is to play alongside Lisandro,” the Dutchman has said. “Though my performances don’t depend on him only.

"We were amazing together, especially with communication. It doesn’t surprise me that he played so good for Manchester United before his injury.”

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Ajax, Lisandro Martinez, Transfers, Eredivisie, Premier League, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno