Erik ten Hag keen on signing Dutch defender

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has instructed the club to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.

The Dutch tactician previously worked with Timber at the Eredivisie giants, and he is now keen on a reunion at Old Trafford.

Negotiations are underway with the centre-back's representatives, and Ten Hag has now urged the club to make a formal bid.

Timber is regarded as a key player in the Ajax squad, but The Star claims that a fee of around £35m would convince them to sell.

The 20-year-old has been solid defensively for Ajax, but has also excelled with his distribution. He completed 93 per cent passes last term.

He would be perfectly suited for Ten Hag's system with his ball-playing ability, but may need some time to adapt to the Premier League.

Hence, he may not be integrated straight into the line-up, and the onus could be on making him a regular starter in the long term.