Man Utd and Liverpool target REFUSES to rule out big move

Tom Hancock

• 12 Jun 2023 18:54 BST
• 3 min read

Jurrien Timber has left the door open to a potential move to Man Utd or Liverpool, after refusing to commit his future to Ajax.

The two Premier League rivals are said to be interested in the highly rated Netherlands centre-back, 21, who was handed his professional debut by current Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.

And recent comments by Timber might just have put both clubs on high alert as they look to bolster their respective squads this summer.

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In an interview with Dutch outlet Vandaag Inside, Timer said: “Will I stay with Ajax anyway? I’m not sure; I can’t say that.

“I’m not in talks with Ajax now. My agent had a good talk a few times, but it’s not like we’re talking about anything right now.”

Given that Timber has two years left on his contract, Ajax ought to be able to generate a sizeable fee for their academy product – who currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €38.3m (£32.9m).

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Value in versatility?

Timber’s ability to also operate at right-back might well make him an attractive option for Liverpool – especially if Trent Alexander-Arnold is to ultimately move into a midfield role.

Indeed, Reds defensive rock Virgil van Dijk has previously piled praise upon his international teammate.

“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is [at the same age],” Van Dijk said last year. “I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional."

Having risen through Ajax’s renowned youth system, Timber got his first-team break a few months before his 19th birthday; he’s gone on to make 121 appearances for the three-time champions of Europe.