Manchester United will need to turn their attentions elsewhere in the transfer market, or wait at least until the summer, after Donny van de Beek ruled out leaving Ajax during the current January window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been on the lookout for midfielders for the past few windows, but despite being heavily linked with the Dutchman had failed to secure his much sought-after signature.
Real Madrid had also been credited with an interest in Van de Beek, but so far Ajax have successfully held onto their academy star. His breakthrough season came last term, when he produced some glittering performances that helped the Dutch side claim a domestic double and reach the Champions League semi-finals.
However, Van de Beek insisted his immediate future lies in Amsterdam, and even then he could remain at the club beyond the summer.
"It is not that I can or want to do something at the moment," Van de Beek told FOX Sports, via ESPN. "I have said it before and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season. And maybe next season as well.
"These reports about Real Madrid or Man United are a good sign, but it is not important now. I've said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so for 100%."
It would appear as if United were already fully aware of the 22-year-old's stance, as they push through to secure a deal for Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes. Both players operate as creative midfielders, thus it would seem that the Red Devils have cut ties with the Dutch prodigy and focused their energy elsewhere.
Despite that, Van De Beek did reveal he saw the positives to draw out a move to Old Trafford in the future, in turn leaving the door slightly ajar to a summer move.
"Yeah, you're right, [on whether he can see the positives and negatives in the move]" he added. "You can look at it like that. It is not something that is in my mind right now, but what you say is true."
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Source : 90min