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Manchester United are preparing to win a red-hot race among England’s elite for Sean Steur after the Ajax starlet blew scouts away with his performances in the Dutch capital, according to a new report.
The Flying Dutchman
Much has been made of the rise of AZ Alkmaar’s midfield wizard, Kees Smit – with Rio Ferdinand imploring his former side to secure the highly rated Belgian youngster.
However, Eredivisie insiders believe Steur is now seen as a “potential even better option” by a number of top clubs, according to a report by TEAMtalk.
Described as a two-footed, tempo-setting playmaker in the mould of Frenkie de Jong, the 18-year-old midfielder has impressed with a maturity in possession which belies his age. There are figures at Ajax who believe he is the best prospect since the FC Barcelona maestro.
Steur has handled the ascension into men’s football with aplomb, rarely putting a foot wrong, nor letting any mistakes impact his confidence on the ball. He has made 30 appearances for the Dutch giants, notching an impressive two goals and four assists, despite often playing deeper on the pitch.
In a period of football where there is a dearth of midfielders capable of dictating games, it is little wonder the Netherlands under-18 international has put his suitors on red alert over a swoop this summer – including the Red Devils.
It will not be an easy task to prise Steur from Ajax, however, with every top club in England having dispatched scouts to watch him this season, while there is strong interest elsewhere in Europe.
Eyed by England’s Elite
TEAMtalk reveals United are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur, with all seven sides closely monitoring the situation in Amsterdam.
Furthermore, Eintracht Frankfurt made an attempt to sign Steur in January after holding talks with Ajax. But there is a reluctant acceptance among the German club that his burgeoning reputation “may put him out of reach this summer”.
United are on the hunt for at least two new midfielders this summer, given the imminent departure of Casemiro and the dismal form of Manuel Ugarte. However, the form of the Uruguay international means he is likely to be available, requiring a third option in the engine room to arrive.
In this scenario, an outstanding protégé from Holland – whose price would be significantly cheaper than the club’s primary targets, such as Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba – would be an excellent option, which fits the mould of targeting young talents that INEOS have prioritised since taking the helm.
United made many attempts to bring De Jong to Old Trafford; they now have the opportunity to strike a deal for his successor at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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