Manchester United appear to have been dealt a pretty big blow in their pursuit of Jurrien Timber.
The Red Devils have been linked heavily with the central defender over the last few weeks, with some reports even suggesting a deal was nearly done.
Now, however, De Telegraaf report that Ajax believe they hold the 'advantage' amid interest from United in Jurrien Timber this summer.
The Amsterdam club's promising centre-back is a target at Old Trafford, but it is claimed that Timber is unsure of a move to United with the World Cup now just around the corner.
De Telegraaf add that the 20-year-old is keen on remaining in the Netherlands due to the 'guaranteed minutes' he would receive at Ajax, which he would be far from assured at United.
And given that the young stopper would be competing for minutes alongside Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, it is easy to see why he may have such thoughts.
Who is Jurrien Timber?
Timber has spent the last eight years plying his trade in Amsterdam with Ajax.
The 20-year-old joined the Dutch powerhouse’s youth ranks back in 2014, departing fellow Eredivisie side, Feyenoord.
Timber enjoyed several successful years with Ajax’s youth sides, and is a Dutch under-17 champion.
However, despite still only being 20, the stopper has long been establishing himself as something of a key cog in Ajax’s senior setup.
The central defender truly burst onto the first-team scene during the 2020/21 campaign, when he featured 20 times in the league and five times in the Europa League for Ajax.
And he managed to maintain his starting berth across the previous season, playing 43 games across all competitions.