For the time being, Manchester United have reportedly cooled their interest in Aston Villa star Jack Grealish. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this transfer window but, with an asking price of £75million, won’t come cheap. And the Red Devils could be tempted to reignite interest in Ajax’s Donny van de Beek as a result, with Ed Woodward’s interest in the Dutchman already known.
Manchester United have been backed to sign Grealish for months, ever since he scored a stunning strike in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in December.
But it’s since been claimed the Red Devils are prepared to walk away from any potential transfer deal if it doesn’t suit them.
At the moment, it doesn’t. And that’s because, with Villa staying in the Premier League, they have the power to hold out for a big fee.
Grealish is their captain and talisman and it was his goal against West Ham on Sunday that ensured they stay in the top flight, with Watford and Bournemouth dropping down into the Championship.
Consequently, Dean Smith’s side want to keep him. And only bids in the region of £75m will be considered.
United have spent big before. Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire and Romelu Lukaku were all marquee signings, costing £75m or over.
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Interest from Woodward in the playmaker has already been confirmed by Edwin van der Sar, who previously said: “It’s clear that clubs like Real Madrid and are Manchester United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek.”
What’s more, is that Ajax struck an agreement regarding a potential exit a year ago.
“Last year, we made verbal agreements with Onana, Tagliafico and Van de Beek to stay another season, and then we look to help each other and find the next step in their careers. Nothing has changed,” Van der Sar told Reuters.
“There won’t be a 50 per cent discount. The clubs can forget about that.”
Van de Beek would cost in the region of £49m for United. That, certainly, is a budget buy worth contemplating behind the scenes.
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And the statistics suggest he’d be the perfect fit for the Red Devils, who are keen to fight for the Premier League title under Solskjaer next season.
From 23 Eredivisie matches this season the midfielder scored eight goals and registered six assists as Ajax retained the Dutch league title.
And he did well in the Champions League, too, scoring twice and contributing one assist from five appearances in the competition.
Real Madrid are no longer in for Van de Beek, with their money set to be saved until 2021 when they can attack Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe transfers.
And their loss could be United’s gain. With Grealish off the table for now, it’s feasible Woodward may knock on Ajax’s door for an alternative.
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