Erik ten Hag told Ajax transfer target 'negotiable' as Man Utd boss plots raid on ex-club

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been handed a boost in his hopes of signing holding midfielder Edson Alvarez from his former club Ajax.

Ten Hag has identified the Mexican international as a summer transfer target for United as he aims to bolster his midfield options. Alvarez is valued for his versatility; primarily a holding midfield player in a midfield three but also capable of playing in the heart of defence.

A report from De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij now claims that Ajax view Alvarez as a ‘negotiable’ sale this summer – indicating that they will sit down with any interested clubs to talk about his future with the possibility of a deal. That follows an initial suggestion from The Athletic that Alvarez could be on United’s summer shortlist.

The report contrasts that position to the Dutch club’s stance of Antony, Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez – all linked with switches to Old Trafford – who would only be sold should irrefutable offers arise.

Ten Hag has been linked to Martinez, with the Argentine international identified as a potential target for United after missing out on a deal to sign his teammate Timber. Arsenal are also interested in a move for Martinez but are unlikely to be able to offer the same incentives for the versatile player, who is primarily a central defender.

The Gunners first made a move for Martinez last week despite the impressive partnership formed by Benjamin White and Gabriel last season. A report in De Telegraaf claims that the Gunners told Ajax they were prepared to offer £25.8million (€30m) for the defender but backed down after being informed that the player would not be sold.

While a new central defender is on United’s summer radar, Ten Hag has ‘made clear’