"If Man City calls..." - Man Utd target Jurrien Timber admitted he could snub Ten Hag for Guardiola

Manchester United target Jurrien Timber admitted he would be open to a move to rivals Manchester City in a throwback interview.

According to Sky Germany, while Ajax chiefs want to keep Timber, they have conceded that he is likely to leave.

The Dutch giants have allegedly set a price tag of £44million for the 21-year-old centre-back, who admitted earlier this week he is destined for a move away this summer.

“A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax,” he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

“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.”

The Mirror claimed that there have been no concrete offers for the player, though United are interested, with boss Erik ten Hag having worked with the defender during his spell at Ajax.

According to the publication Ten Hag was left “stunned” by Timber’s decision to reject United last summer, but it has not deterred the Old Trafford club from having a second bite at the cherry.

Timber open to Man City move

Last summer Timber also received interest from the likes of Barcelona and City.

Indeed, the Netherlands international even suggested it would be difficult to resist a move to Pep Guardiola’s side - an admission that may deter United from signing the defender.

Timber told Helden Magazine last summer: “I like to play for prizes; that’s why I say (Manchester) City (over Barcelona) now. Barcelona has a less good period at the moment.

“I want to grow as a player, use my time at Ajax to become even better. At Ajax, you have to be happy if you are in the starting line-up; that’s why I want to enjoy this time consciously.

“I play for the prizes here; there is no better place to be. Ajax was always my dream club; I also slept under an Ajax duvet.

“I plan to stay here for a while. But if Manchester City calls, what should I do?”

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.