Donny van de Beek may have played his last game for Ajax after being absent from Erik ten Hag’s side for Saturday’s friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The midfielder has been strongly linked to a summer outing and former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, currently Ajax CEO, confirmed earlier this year that United were one of many clubs interested in his services.
In June he said: “It is clear that clubs like Real Madrid and United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek.”
The men reported in January that Van de Beek was on a United playmaker’s shortlist alongside Jack Grealish and James Maddison, although Maddison has since signed a contract extension in Leicester. Grealish became less achievable after his goal on the final day of the Premier League season ensured Aston Villa’s survival and eased any potential financial pressure on his boys’ club.
Van de Beek participated in Ajax’s pre-season friendlies against Red Bull Salzburg and Hertha Berlin, but was excluded from the squad to face Frankfurt on Saturday night and before kick-off boss Ten Hag confirmed that the omission of the player was due to developments in his future.
Barcelona are believed to be interested in signing Van de Beek following the appointment of Dutch manager Ronald Koeman, who headed the midfielder during his time at the helm of the Dutch national team.
United have yet to sign in the transfer window which closes on 5 October.
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