Man Utd transfers: Fabrizio Romano provides encouraging update on Jurrien Timber pursuit

Fabrizio Romano has provided an encouraging update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Jurrien Timber and said a deal for the Ajax defender is not out of the question.

It was widely reported that the Red Devils had moved onto other targets, with Timber wary of a move to Old Trafford as it could impact his place in the Netherlands squad ahead of the World Cup.

Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan recently claimed: “Louis Van Gaal made it clear that he would not be in his Dutch team if he was not playing every week for United."

“Timber has said [to Ten Hag], ‘look boss, I can’t come with you because my Holland place is more important’. Ajax have said ‘if you’re not going to United, here is a new contract’, and since last night his agent is in talks with them.”

Since last week, reports of the Red Devils being interested in Timber have gone quiet, and there have even been suggestions United have turned their attention to his Ajax team-mate Lisandro Martinez.

But writing in his weekly column for CaughtOffside, Romano said talks are still ongoing about a potential switch for Timber.

“Frenkie De Jong isn’t the only player Man United are in talks to sign,” he wrote. “It is important to clarify that Man United are focused on Frenkie de Jong and in direct talks with Barcelona, but they are also negotiating for other players.

“The club is active on multiple deals, including discussions with Ajax on Timber, Lisandro Martinez (but Arsenal are also working for the Argentine centre-back) and Antony.”

Timber has played 74 times for the Dutch champions, including 38 appearances under Ten Hag last season.

The Ajax youth graduate is just 21 years old and is regarded as one of the most talented young defenders in Europe.

He’s also already earned eight senior international caps, has played in the Champions League and won two Eredivisie titles.