Van der Sar confirms Man Utd want transfer for Ajax star Donny van de Beek but face competition from Real Madrid
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AJAX chief Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Donny van de Beek amid interest from Real Madrid.
The Dutch star, 23, has been on the Red Devils' radar for the last year since making a name for himself during his side's run to the Champions League semi-finals.
As reported by , Van der Sar said: "It’s clear that clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek."
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The Daily Mail recently claimed that Los Blancos were prepared to offer £49million to snare the midfielder away from the Dutch capital.
But the financial uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crunch, especially in regard to transfers, could prove a stumbling block for the LaLiga giants.
The Red Devils are said to be waiting in the wings with a £36m offer on the cards instead.
Van de Beek came through the academy at Ajax, racking up 41 goals in 175 first-team appearances and the club are eager to hold onto him.
He still has two years left to run on his current contract but the Eredivisie side - who were denied the title when the season was suspended - face a battle to keep hold of him once again.
However, Manchester United also have plenty of other targets to go after should their bid for Van de Beek fail.
Jack Grealish is high on their summer wish list, despite his lockdown misdemeanours.
The £80m-rated Aston Villa captain has played predominantly as a left-winger this season, cutting in and causing plenty of problems for Premier League defences, but his eye-watering price tag seems extortionate compared to Van de Beek's.
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With Bruno Fernandes excelling since his £55m arrival at Old Trafford in January, the need for a No10 playmaker is not so desperate.
Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane is a long-standing admirer of Van de Beek and recently called him up to cement Real's position as favourites to sign him.
However reports claim Old Trafford ace Paul Pogba, 27, remains Zizou's midfield priority in the summer as Everton and Newcastle also eye the Holland star.