Manchester United are reportedly hoping to swoop Donny van de Beek away to Old Trafford this summer amid interest from Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Manchester United are planning to steal a march on Real Madrid in the race to sign Donny van de Beek in the summer transfer window. The Ajax midfielder currently has an agreement with Los Blancos over a move post the end of the season.
Donny van de Beek is one of many Ajax players who were thrust into the limelight during the spectacular 2018-19 season, which saw the Dutch club reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against all odds. While some of the players from that team have since moved on, van de Beek has continued to run riot in Amsterdam.
In 37 appearances across all competitions so far this season, van de Beek has 10 goals and 11 assists to show for his efforts. Having proven his credentials for a second successive season, a move away from Ajax has been mooted. Real Madrid have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old for a long time, but the Spanish heavyweights also face competition from Manchester United in his pursuit.
Midfield has been the key to Real Madrid’s strong performances this season. Toni Kroos and Casemiro have rediscovered their best levels, while Luka Modric has chipped in with solid displays as well. The revelation, though, has been Federico Valverde, who has alleviated the need to bolster midfield.
However, with Modric in the twilight of his career, Real Madrid do need to look for a replacement, making van de Beek a viable target. Manchester United, on the other hand, have only recently reinforced the midfield department by securing the services of Bruno Fernandes.
However, amid concerns over the future of Paul Pogba, the Red Devils need to keep their options open. If Pogba ends up leaving, Manchester United would need to enter the market for a midfielder, which explains why they have set their sights on van de Beek, having previously ceded their interest in him.
Manchester United though, will be hoping that Real Madrid renounce the agreement that they have with the Dutch international. Having said that, the Premier League heavyweights will try to pip Los Blancos to the signing of van de Beek, ready to pounce in the scenario wherein the Spanish giants decide they no longer want to make a move for the Dutchman.
For now, it looks like Real Madrid will be going head-to-head with Manchester United in the race to sign van de Beek. However, with no recent indications that the Merengues are interested in the 22-year-old anymore, United might well be the favourites in his pursuit and it remains to be seen if a switch to Old Trafford sees the light of the day.
