Manchester United are looking to swoop in a hijack Real Madrid's £49million deal for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Deek.
United have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old after the coronavirus crisis has left the La Liga club unsure as to whether they can afford the Dutchman this summer.
Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, is determined for the club to capture their target for less than Madrid's bid, after warning shareholders that they are entering into 'one of the most extraordinary and testing periods' in their history.
Manchester United are still looking to spend money in the upcoming transfer window in a bid to strengthen their options, despite the looming financial uncertainty caused by the covid-19 outbreak.
United looked into van de Beek last August, however a deal was not made as the Ajax star stayed in the Eredivisie for another season.
The midfield sensation initially caught the eye of the recruiters at Old Trafford during the 2018/19 Champions League campaign, as he confidently anchored the Dutch side to an impressive semi-final run.
Ajax were knocked out by finalists Tottenham in dramatic fashion - however, van de Beek, along with Frenkie De Jong and Matthijs De Ligt, announced himself to the world as an all-rounded talent.
The Holland international has scored 40 times for his club and would be ideal for United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's vision for a midfielder who possesses a goal threat.
Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is also looking to inject some youth into his side and could still try and finalise a deal for van de Beek, with current options Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ageing.
They have also been attempting to attract Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga to the Bernabeu, with Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus also keeping and eye on the 17-year-old Ligue 1 star.
Madrid's usual presence in the upcoming window could be lessened due to Spanish football suffering greatly from the coronavirus lockdown.
Paul Pogba's future at Manchester United is still up in the air - with Madrid putting their pursuit on hold for the same reason, however the Frenchman's next decision could play a key factor in United's chances of signing van de Beek.
With the Eredivisie season cancelled and not expected to restart until mid-September, Van de Beek is keen to move on and is said to be excited at the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
Ajax team-mate Hakim Ziyech finalised his move to Premier League side Chelsea back in January and will meet up with Frank Lampard's side in due course ahead of next season after a £36million transfer.
Van de Beek is well known to United's Dutch head of global scouting, Marcel Bout and us also ighly rated by former United goalkeeper and Ajax's chief executive, Edwin van der Sar.
The ex-goalkeeper has a good relationship with Woodward which could prove handy, if not vital, if United decide to make a bid for the midfielder.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com