Ajax chief sends blunt Mohammed Kudus transfer message amid Manchester United interest

Ajax director Sven Mislintat is not expecting any imminent bids to come through for Mohammed Kudus amid reported Manchester United interest.

Kudus is among a group of targets under consideration by United as they set up contingency plans in the event they fail to get Rasmus Hojlund. The Atalanta star is Erik ten Hag's top target to fill the No.9 void, with the Dutchman having moved on from Harry Kane.

United are optimistic they can sign Hojlund before the start of the 2023/2024 Premier League season but they are unwilling to pay above the odds, setting their limit at £60million. As with any well-run recruitment department, they have a list of alternative options.

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Ghana star Kudus is on that list, having enjoyed an excellent season at Ajax with 17 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. He also netted twice in three World Cup appearances during the winter.

Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be keen on the 22-year-old, but Mislintat insists his side have received no approach.

“I don’t expect an offer very soon,” he told Voetbal International. “Perhaps the interest is not as serious as everyone thinks.”

Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani is also on the list of alternative options, having scored 23 times in 45 appearances last season. However he is expected to cost a similar amount to Hojlund.

The gap in valuation with Atalanta is the only stumbling block for the latter, with personal terms already said to be broadly agreed. United tabled an opening offer of €50m plus €10m