Manchester United to swoop for Ajax playmaker?

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are currently assessing the future of midfielders Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic and it has been claimed that one of the duo could be sold at the turn of the year.

According to The Mail, Van Beek has emerged as the leading candidate to strengthen the club's midfield but they could face direct competition from Real Madrid.

Los Blancos were heavily tipped to sign the Netherlands international last summer but the move failed to materialised after the Dutchman made a late U-turn to remain with Ajax.

Van Beek has been a consistent performer for Ajax in all competitions and in the current campaign, he has contributed seven goals and a further six assists from 23 games.

With Ajax recently bowing out of the Champions League, van Beek could be tempted to pursue a bigger challenge but it is unclear whether he would prefer a move to the Red Devils, who are only plying their trade in the Europa League.

United have the chance to win three Premier League games on the bounce when they face Everton on the road on Sunday. The Red Devils are currently five points adrift of the top-four places in the league.