Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Ed Woodward to sign £50m-rated midfielder

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly instructed Ed Woodward to try and push through a winter move for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Van de Beek came on the cusp of leaving Ajax for Real Madrid last summer but he changed his mind at the last instance and opted to stay committed to the Dutch champions.

However, with the club no longer plying their trade in the Champions League, it appears that the midfielder could prefer a mid-season departure and United are set to compete with Los Blancos for his services.

According to ESPN, Solskjaer is keen on landing a young and creative midfielder this month and he has urged Solskjaer to make the move for Van de Beek before any of their European rivals.

Van de Beek won't come on the cheap with his valuation in excess of £50m but it is unclear whether Ajax will sanction his sale at the current stage of the season with them chasing the league title.

Ajax have faced fierce competition from AZ Alkmaar for the Dutch Eredivisie this term and they are currently three points behind their rivals at the top after 18 games into the season.