AFC Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has told the Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf that any club interested in signing Daley Blind will have to pay an “absolute top price” for the Netherlands international.
Blind has been a rumored target of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal following the player’s successful stint with Holland’s national team during this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
In recent days, reports have heated up linking the 24-year-old with a switch to Old Trafford. But according to Blind’s agent, Rob Jansen, no offer has been submitted to him or the Eredivisie club.
Today, while speaking to De Telegraaf, Overmars commented on the speculation surrounding the Netherlands international:
“We believe that we currently have a strong team and want Daley to stay another year,” Ajax director of football said.
“Only if the absolute top price is paid is a transfer negotiable.”
“Daley’s management know how we feel at the moment.”
“Next year we will have a much more lenient policy, we are willing to talk with Daley and we will settle for a reasonable price.”
Yesterday, a British tabloid fueled rumors of a potential move for Blind by suggesting that former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar had arrived at the Carrington training base to help broker a £18million deal for the player; Van der Sar is also part of Ajax management board. But that appears to be just “speculation”.
Blind is a versatile player who can play left-back or central midfield and would provide United with additional support. But with the physical style of the Premier League, some club officials are questioning Blind’s ability to step in and provide immediate assistance to the twenty-time champions of England.
