Jurrien Timber is the real reason I passed on Manchester United last summer.

Jurrien Timber, an Ajax player, has revealed why he turned down a move to Manchester United and chose to stay in the Netherlands last summer.

The Dutch defender stated that he will most likely leave the club this summer, despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Last season, Manchester United attempted to sign the 21-year-old as Erik ten Hag plotted to bring him and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.

The Holland international said Ajax stopped him from making the move as they demanded that he remain for a further 12 months.

Timber could be a replacement for either of the club captains, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, as well as the exiled Phil Jones, who is certain to leave.

Liverpool is also interested in signing Timber who may likely partner his national teammate, Virgil van Dijk in the Reds defense

He told De Telegraaf: “A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.

“Last year, Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation.”