MANCHESTER UNITED target Donny van de Beek is reportedly waiting to see if Barcelona come in for him.
The Ajax midfielder would prefer a switch to the Catalan giants – and that has left United in limbo.
Manchester United’s £50million target Donny van de Beek would prefer to move to Barcelona
But he will agree a move to Old Trafford if cash-crippled Barca don’t follow up their initial interest.
Ajax will not accept less than £50m for the midfielder.
Van de Beek wanted to play alongside Lionel Messi, but that does not seem possible with the Argentine seeking a move to Manchester City.
According to Sport, he also wants to play alongside his former Ajax pal Frenkie de Jong, who signed for Barca in a £67m deal last summer.
They are also now managed by Van de Beek’s former Holland boss Ronald Koeman, another reason for a move to the Nou Camp.
Van de Beek, 23, has played a key role in Ajax’s success over the last two years – but they will sell him now to fund new recruits.
He helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 and become Dutch Eredivsie champions last season.
Real Madrid and Tottenham were also thought to be after him.
United wanted to bring in Van de Beek to boost an impressive midfield of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred.
But the news that they are second choice will not go down well with Old Trafford chiefs.
That could let Spurs in as boss Jose Mourinho needs to strengthen his midfield – and could link Van de Beek with ex-Ajax stars Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk