Manchester United make last ditch bid for Real Madrid target

Manchester United are preparing to hijack Real Madrid's bid for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, according to Spanish publication Marca. 

The Dutchman midfielder has been in excellent form for the Eredivisie champions this season, with his eight goals and five assists returning a WhoScored league rating of 7.41 this season. 

It was believed that Real Madrid had a pre-agreement with Van de Beek that would see him move to the Bernabeu in the summer. 

However, United are now ready to make a last ditch effort to land the 22-year-old as they continue their squad rebuild. 

Van de Beek shot to prominence as Ajax progressed to the Champions League semi-finals and it saw a host of Europe's elite sides take notice. 

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still looking to add another creative midfielder to his squad despite the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes as question marks remain over Paul Pogba's future at the club. 

Van de Beek, though, supposedly favours a move to Real Madrid, with Los Blancos still favourites to sign the Netherlands international. 

With Hakim Ziyech set for a move to Chelsea, Ajax will be reluctant to losing Van de Beek in the summer, but the midfielder is still set for a summer exit.