Erik ten Hag keen to 'take Ajax star to Man Utd' in bid to solve defensive problems

dailystar.co.uk:

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber with him to Old Trafford if he lands the Manchester United job at the end of the season.The 52-year-old is the current frontrunner to replace Ralf Rangnick following a positive meeting with the club's hierarchy last month, though a final decision is yet to be made with PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino still in the running.No matter who comes in, there will be plenty of holes to plug in United's squad over the summer, and Ten Hag is said to see Timber as someone who could offer the Red Devils real defensive stability for years to come - something they've lacked for nearly a decade.United's defensive frailties have been exacerbated by the recent poor form of captain Harry Maguire, who has struggled to build a convincing partnership with summer signing Raphael Varane.

Timber would likely join as a prospect for the future, but could slot into the side immediately if Maguire's problems persist.The 20-year-old Dutch centre back broke into Ajax's first team back in 2020 and has more-or-less been a mainstay in the side this season.

He's already landed himself six caps for the Netherlands and is expected to be included in their 2022 World Cup squad later this year.Timber, who can also play at right-back, will be entering the final two years of his contract next season, which gives United a chance to land the youngster without paying over the odds for him.

Though they might face competition for his signature amid rumoured interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but Ten Hag's arrival could give the Red Devils the edge.Where do Manchester United need to strengthen most in the summer?