Transfer Talk: Ten Hag going Dutch for first United signing

Erik ten Hag wants to make Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber his first signing at Manchester United.

The Dutch boss, 52, is ready to raid his old club to bring the highly-rated defender to Old Trafford.

According to the Guardian, United are in talks with Ajax over a £43million move for Timber.

Still only 20, he has been an integral part of Ten Hag’s side as they won the Eredivisie in each of the past two seasons.

The centre of defence is an area of weakness in the Red Devils’ squad with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof beset by errors in recent times and Raphael Varane struggling with injuries.

Timber can also play at full-back and has two years remaining on his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Ajax have offered him a new deal but the lure of Premier League football may tempt him away from his native Netherlands.

The report says United are also interested in Villarreal’s Pau Torres, 25, but the Champions League semi-finalists are fighting to keep hold of the centre-half.

Torres has a release clause of £51m and recently revealed he was happy in Spain.

He said: "Right now there is nothing at all. I have peace of mind of being where they want me, at the club of my life."

In other news

London rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all interested in Richarlison, who is considering his future at Everton, according to the Mail.

Harry Winks is on the transfer list at Tottenham — and the Sun believe LaLiga side Sevilla are keen on a move.

Sky Sports suggest Nottingham Forest will face competition from Spurs, Arsenal and Brentford as they try to make Djed Spence’s loan from Middlesbrough permanent.