Manchester United have held talks with Aston Villa as they strive to reach an agreement on a deal for Jack Grealish and are monitoring developments with Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.
Grealish remains a prime target for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has seen a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho stall. However, Villa will demand £80million for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Van de Beek was left out of Ajax’s squad for their friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. He is understood to have asked to be left out of the game following enquiries made about his availability.
United have yet to make a formal offer and Ajax would like the player’s future resolved before their first game of the Dutch league season on September 13 against Sparta Rotterdam.
The Red Devils are confirmed admirers and Ajax coach Erik ten Haag admitted: ‘There are indeed developments that prevent him from being in the selection. We are looking at how that will end.’
United, though, maintain they are merely monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation at this stage amid rival interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid who had put a deal in place for the £45m-rated Holland international last year.
United defender Chris Smalling, meanwhile, is due to return to training with the club on Monday. Roma maintain an interest in re-signing the 30-year-old after his impressive loan.
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