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Football

04th Feb 2018

Manchester United set to snap up Ajax wonderkid

Mourinho knows him well

Reuben Pinder

He’s been ripping it up in the Eredivisie.

Manchester United are in advanced talks with Ajax to sign winger Justin Kluivert in the summer transfer window, according to the Mirror.

José Mourinho has known the player since he was a child, when he would go to the Nou Camp to watch his father, Patrick Kluivert play for Barcelona during Mourinho’s time there as a coach and translator.

After United beat Ajax in last season’s Europe League Final, Mourinho pulled Kluivert to one side and the pair exchanged words. It certainly looked like Mourinho was courting the young talent, letting him know he wanted the winger to come to Old Trafford.

Since then there have been whispers of a transfer, and today the Mirror report that “United are ready to agree a fee of around £10million with various add-ons” for the Dutchman.

Kluivert made 20 appearances for Ajax last season, scoring two goals. This term he has already made 21 appearances and scored 6 goals. At just 18 years of age, his potential is huge.

It’s therefore no surprise that he has attracted the attention of European’s super powers. Could the special relationship Mourinho has with the Kluivert family be a key factor in persuading the player to join United?