Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Red Devils Make £25M Danish Starlet Number One Target

English champions Manchester United have reportedly identified Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax's Danish attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen as their primary transfer target. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson aims to bring the player in to provide a boost to his squad's midfield and make him an important part of the next generation of players at Old Trafford.

Rene Meulensteen, the assistant manager at United, confirmed the club's interest in the player, while also saying Eriksen would fit United's transfer policy. The club believes their interest could be further helped if Ajax, under the management of Frank de Boer, fails to retain the Dutch title or at least finish in the top two positions of their domestic league, which would secure them Champions League action for next season.

The English club has made considerable steps in their stated aim to introduce a new generation of players - the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, David de Gea and Javier Hernandez are recent acquisitions, while academy graduates like Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have made impressive first team debuts. It may therefore be assumed that the club's transitional plan is on track. Eriksen, who is already a regular for both his club and country, helped his Ajax side to an Eredivisie title last term and could now join the growing number of young and talented players at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old does have a long-term contract with his club. However, United are ready to offer as much as £25 million for the player. They should also be aware that a Caughtoffside report suggests the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus are also interested in the player.

Christian Dannemann Eriksen, who started his senior career with Ajax in 2009, has made a total of 88 appearances for the club and has scored 13 times. He was recently named the Danish Football Player of the Year.