The new United manager gave Timber his Eredivisie debut in March 2020, only for the versatile 20-year-old to play a key role in two league title triumphs.

The Ajax academy graduate has since earned six caps for the Netherlands national team and should earn a spot in Louis van Gaal’s World Cup squad later this year.

According to the Guardian, United are in talks with Ajax to sign Timber but these meetings are at an initial stage, and the Dutch giants are understood to have offered Timber new terms to stay in Amsterdam

A separate report from Voetball International claims Timber’s representative from the Forza Sports Group was spotted at 5 Stratton Street in Mayfair district of London, where Manchester United’s offices are based.

Despite his tender years, the Utrecht-born starlet has already made 74 appearances in all competitions for Ajax. And he has also been capped six times by the Netherlands.

Ten Hag is clearly a big fan and believes he is a player who could make a real impact at the Theatre of Dreams. The report does not give any details as to how far the talks have gone.

But it is thought United would need to part with £43m to get their man.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof are United’s main central defenders. None of the trio covered themselves in glory over the past ten months, with Maguire in particular picked out for criticism.

Timber would be competing with them for a starting berth but has another string to his bow. The talented youngster can also play at right-back, giving his manager options.

Spain international Pau Torres is another defender linked with United. It remains to be seen if they do continue to pursue the 25-year-old.