Manchester United Could Steal Real Madrid Prospect For Jadon Sancho Team-Up, Report Says

Manchester United has gained an advantage in its pursuit of Real Madrid prospect Donny van de Beek as the Ajax midfielder is open to offers from Premier League clubs before the start of a new campaign, a report said.

After completing the signing of Filip Stevanovic from Partizan, the Red Devils are still searching for a playmaker to pair with their top prospect, Jadon Sancho. Several names have been linked to a move to Old Trafford in recent months, including Van de Beek's.

Following Ajax chief executive Edwin van der Sar’s confirmation in May that Van de Beek will be allowed to leave for a suitable fee, the 23-year-old became a target of big-spending clubs United, Barcelona and Madrid. But among the three, United has emerged as the favorite to land Van de Beek as the player is awaiting offers from Premier League clubs this summer, Sky Sports News reported.

Sources told “The Transfer Show” that despite being happy at his club, there is still a “strong possibility” that Van de Beek will leave Ajax during the window, with the Premier League as his possible next destination.

This gives Manchester United an advantage over Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to Manchester Evening News. Van de Beek nearly moved to Los Blancos before the coronavirus pandemic, but he did not complete a medical or sign an agreement with the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen on bolstering his attacking options this summer despite having his eyes locked on Sancho. While the Borussia Dortmund star remains a top priority, Solskjaer is also looking to sign a playmaker, the report noted.

Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish was United’s top target to fill the position, Manchester Evening News reported. But Villa has no reason to sell Grealish unless the club is offered a massive fee, making Van de Beek a suitable replacement.

Despite the reports, Ajax has yet to receive a formal offer from any club for Van de Beek.

Van de Beek addressed the transfer rumors earlier this month.

“It is very messy, in any case a very messy period in terms of transfers,” he told Fox Sports. “Nothing is certain yet. I am still a player of Ajax and I am still proud to be there.”

“If there had not been the coronavirus, it might have been different now. There is no clarity now and we have to wait and see how it turns out,” he continued. “I'm still here and after all these years I still have a lot of fun. If I also play at Ajax next season, I still have a lot of fun. You won't hear me complaining.”

Meanwhile, despite being involved in numerous transfer rumors, Paul Pogba is likely to stay at Old Trafford. The former Juventus star’s agent, Mino Raiola, recently said that Pogba is “100% included” in United’s project and the club “will not accept any bid” for his sale this summer.