Ajax will not allow Erik ten Hag’s plan to rebuild Manchester United lead to a mass exodus of the players he left behind in Amsterdam, and are standing firm when it comes to offers for their stars.
United have been circling the Dutch club for signings after Ten Hag drew up a wish list upon his arrival in Manchester.
Ajax trio Jurrien Timber, Lisandro Martinez and Antony are all part of his plans.
Jurrien Timber
Despite United's interest, Timber has turned his back on the Red Devils after refusing to put his place in the Netherlands' FIFA World Cup squad in jeopardy following a warning from Dutch boss Louis van Gaal.
Interfering in club affairs was cited by many as the wrong thing to do.
Lisandro Martinez
Timber's change of heart has prompted United to crank up their interest in his Argentinian defensive partner Martinez in recent days.
Ajax have already rejected an offer from Arsenal in the region of £30 million, while United
have so far only made verbal inquiries.
Ajax remain hesitant on letting him go.
Arsenal were, and still are interested but Ajax are determined to keep their defense starlets, as only an offer worth more than £60 million would make them budge.
Antony
Antony, the Brazilian winger valued at more than £50 million, is another one of Erik ten Hag's target.
However, The Goalpost understands that the word from inside Ajax is that they will not allow their former coach to tear apart the squad he built during his four-and-a-half-year reign.
It is likely that Ten Hag will have to choose between Martinez and Antony, unless United make an offer that is just too good for Ajax to refuse.
As of June 21, United have sent their representatives to get a deal over the line.
Verbal talks have commenced and a deal looks 'very close'.
United want a deal for Ajax to be done for £40 million but Ajax reportedly want £50 million.
It seems like a move for the Brazilian will only progress once the Frenkie de Jong deal is signed and agreed.
Ajax don’t need the money, as they are UEFA Champions League regulars again and are about to sell former West Ham United striker Sebastien Haller to Borussia Dortmund for £30 million, after already raising £16.6 million from Ryan Gravenberch's sale to Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich also snapped up Noussair Mazraoui on a free transfer and Ajax do not want to hand new coach Alfred Schreuder a squad that has been stripped bare.
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