Dream move to United for van de Beek
MOVING to Manchester United is a “dream come true” for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Reds have swooped in front of Real Madrid to seal a £40m deal for the 23-year-old who is heading to the UK for his medical.
And his dad Andre has made his feelings clear about the transfer. He said: “Ajax is in our hearts.
“In principle, we will never be finished there. Playing football there for another ten years would not have been a punishment, then you would not have heard Donny moan, either.
“But United is a wonderful club and this is a dream come true. Everyone in our home village is very proud.”
Van de Beek made his name as Ajax marched to the latter stages of the Champions League two seasons ago with a largely homegrown team.
His performances as playmaker stood out and attracted the attention of Real Madrid, with Spurs also interested.
Fantastic
He has a couple of international team mates nearby in Nathan Ake at City and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk.
The Kop defender thinks van de Beek will be a big hit in the Premier League.
Van Dijk said: “I wish Donny all the best.
“It’s fantastic for him and great for Dutch football. It’s another great step to another beautiful club for a Dutch player.
“The same goes for Nathan Ake.”
It could be a busy time at Old Trafford with more new faces expected before the transfer window closes early next month.
Red Bull Leipzig are bracing themselves for a United offer on centre-back Dayot Upamecano.
The 21-year-old is hot property and a new three-year contract isn’t putting off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It will be tough for the Reds to get the deal done but a £40m offer could change the German club’s mind.
That leaves Jadon Sancho as the big name waiting in the wings.
Last month it looked as though a deal was imminent for the Borussia Dortmund winger but they are holding out for more than £100m and United don’t want to pay that much in one instalment.