Manchester United competing with Real Madrid for Ajax star

Manchester United are prepared to battle Real Madrid for the signing of Ajax star Donny van de Beek, reports The Sunday Times. 

The Dutch midfielder is one of the most coveted players in Europe and while Ajax were able to ward off interest in Van de Beek last summer, the Eredivisie giants have confirmed they are prepared to listen to offers for the youngster. 

Van de Beek, along with Andre Onana and Nicolas Tagliafico, is one of three key Ajax players that the club are willing to sell this summer, provided interested parties pay the asking price for the trio, as Chelsea did to secure Hakim Ziyech's services in February. 

The 23-year-old has tentatively agreed to join Real Madrid for around £49m, but the Coronavirus pandemic has left the player uncertain whether Los Blancos can afford the transfer. 

And it has seen United make a last ditch attempt to sign Van de Beek from under Real Madrid's noses. 

United are looking to bring in at least one midfielder this summer, with Kai Havertz another linked with a move to the Premier League side and Real Madrid. 

Before the 2019/20 Eredivisie season had been cancelled, Van de Beek impressed for Ajax, netting eight and providing five assists and help return a WhoScored rating of 7.41.