Manchester United transfer target Donny van de Beek left out of Ajax friendly due to 'developments'

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Donny van de Beek was left out of their pre-season game against Eintracht Frankfurt due to "developments" regarding his future.

The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United after Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar in June revealed both they and Real Madrid had made contact with the midfielder.

Van de Beek has two years remaining on his Ajax contract but in August insisted his situation would be different without the outbreak of coronavirus, though revealing he wouldn't complain if he had to stay at the club after what has been a "messy" period.

Standard Sport understands the midfielder is a target for United, who view the 23-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Jack Grealish.

Asked why Van de Beek was absent from Ajax's squad, Hag said: "There are indeed developments that keep him out of the squad [to face Frankfurt]."

The midfielder featured in Ajax's previous pre-season fixtures against both Red Bull Salzburg and Hertha Berlin, but may have now played his final game for the club with a potential move seemingly gathering pace.

Van de Beek had also been linked with a move to Barcelona of late, with newly appointed boss Ronald Koeman reportedly looking to reunite with the midfielder he managed while in charge of the Netherlands national team.

Those links appear to have subsided, however, with respected journalist Fabrizio Romano sharing a story that insisted a move to Barcelona was not on the cards.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho this summer.

But with teenagers Marc Juardo and Alvaro Fernandez the sole incomings this summer so far, United will have to act quickly if they are to improve ahead of the September 12 Premier League start.

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