Manchester United transfer target Jurrien Timber says that he intends to leave Ajax in 2023, as per Algemeen Dagblad (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News reported in the summer that Erik ten Hag and United had identified the 21-year-old as a 'priority target' for their defence.

Timber ultimately opted to stay at the Johann Cruyff ArenA, penning a new contract as a potential means of protecting his value.

The Red Devils signed his former Ajax team-mate Lisandro Martinez, but it's possible that Erik ten Hag will pursue further reinforcements next summer. He appears dissatisfied with Harry Maguire, having dropped the Englishman to his substitutes' bench in recent games.

The latest

In an interview with Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad (via Sport Witness), Timber revealed his plan to depart Ajax next summer after talks behind the scenes at the Amsterdam club.

He stated: “Whether agreements have been made to make a transfer next year? That’s the intention, yes, but you never know how it will go. But that has been discussed well together with Ajax.” 

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The verdict

This is certainly one to watch in next year's transfer windows.

The €50m-rated (£43m) defender needed guaranteed first-team football in the first half of the season to preserve his World Cup ambitions, but after another 12 months of his development, he could be ready to push for a starting place at Old Trafford alongside former Ajax team-mates Martinez and Antony.

If he does make the move to Old Trafford, then perhaps he would strike up something of a rivalry with Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez - the Dutchman spoke of his intention to 'boss' the 23-year-old after Benfica beat Ajax in last season's Champions League round of 16.

They're due to meet again in this year's group stage after Ajax were drawn against Liverpool, and United fans may be watching those matches closely.