Ajax boss confirms Van de Beek ‘developments’ ahead of prospective Man Utd move

Manchester United are closing in on Holland star Donny van de Beek after he was pulled out of a friendly for Ajax.

Van de Beek was withdrawn from Ajax’s squad for their pre-season game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday with coach Erik ten Hag admitting there have been developments over his future.

United have been scouting the midfielder for months and Ajax are prepared to sell him for around £40million.

Ten Hag claimed both the club and the player decided it was best if he did not play against Frankfurt.

“There are indeed developments that keep him out of the selection,” he said.

“We will see what happens. We’ll make an announcement as soon as there’s some clarity.

“The fact that Donny did not play does indicate a direction.

“The request not to let him play did not come specifically from one side. We do that together. Agreements have been made about a possible transfer, and if that possibility arises, you must also cooperate.”

Van de Beek, 23, scored 14 goals and made seven assists last season, and is keen to move to the Premier League.

He wants to play in England after spending his whole career in Holland at Ajax.

United are in pole position to sign van de Beek and they have good links with Ajax because their former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is chief executive of the Amsterdam club.

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United would view landing van de Beek as a coup after they were frustrated in their attempts to prise Jadon Sancho away from Borussia Dortmund and the Dutchman would be their first summer signing.

According to Spanish publication Diario Sport Van de Beek has already said goodbye to his colleagues, and will become a United player next week.

He agreed personal terms on a switch to Madrid in the spring only for the Spanish giants to put the move on ice when the covid-19 pandemic struck.