Report: United weighing Van de Beek move, Ajax want over £50M

With his squad in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering a January swoop for crafty Ajax star Donny van de Beek, sources told Mark Ogden of ESPN.

The Norwegian manager, who watched Manchester City tear apart his side in the League Cup on Tuesday, has received the green light from executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to make improvements to the squad during the January window, Ogden adds.

However, the club won't sign players just for the sake of it.

"If it isn't the right thing, we won't do anything," Solskjaer said post-match at Old Trafford, clearly wary of making the same recruiting mistakes that have plagued United in recent seasons.

But Van de Beek appears to check all the boxes for a team clearly lacking midfield creativity. The 22-year-old Dutchman is thought to be available this month largely due to Ajax's inability to reach the Champions League knockout stages.

The reigning Eredivisie champions value the Netherlands international in excess of £50 million. He was a vital figure while helping Ajax reach the semifinals of last season's Champions League.

United, who view Van de Beek as someone capable of both contributing immediately and continuing to improve, are also looking for a right-sided midfielder, according to Ogden.

Solskjaer is also keeping close tabs on Van de Beek's teammate Hakim Ziyech, but the former is considered the priority right now.