Manchester United have only just heard Erik ten Hag confirm Europe’s growing interest in Ruud Nijstad. Now, FC Twente are reportedly preparing another move to keep the defender out of reach.
The Dutch club, where the former United manager has served as technical director since February, want to offer the 18-year-old an improved contract, just months after tying him down until 2029. They also hope to push his eventual transfer fee towards €40m (£33.3m).
We just covered this week that the Red Devils are alongside Bayern Munich in a very early race for him.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are said to be preparing a much bigger offer after failing to sign him in the summer. That gives United another headache if they decide to pursue the youngster.
Twente want another deal – and a much bigger fee
Spanish outlet El Nacional brings the latest developments, just days after Ten Hag discussed Nijstad’s future publicly.
The former Manchester United manager confirmed that several leading European clubs had approached Twente. He also praised the defender’s decision to stay for at least another season.
Now, the Dutch side apparently want to make that arrangement even more attractive.
They are planning to offer Nijstad a significant pay rise, hoping to strengthen his commitment until the summer. The idea is to avoid losing him in January, when interest could turn into serious offers.
There’s a financial incentive, too. El Nacional claims Twente believe his value could eventually reach €40m (£33.3m) if he continues developing. That’s their reported ambition, though, not a confirmed asking price.
Barcelona could test Manchester United’s chances
The competition isn’t getting any easier for United. Barcelona reportedly offered €8m (£6.7m) for Nijstad towards the end of the summer window. Twente rejected the approach, with little time left to find a replacement.
According to El Nacional, citing De Telegraaf, the Catalan club could return with a proposal worth around €25m (£20.8m). That would be quite a jump from their previous attempt.
United and Bayern Munich are also described as interested in a January move. The Spanish report says scouting assessments have been extremely positive, although it doesn’t provide details of any negotiations.
Well, Ten Hag has only just spoken about Nijstad’s decision to remain at Twente, and now the club reportedly want to reward him for it. The existing contract already puts them in a comfortable position.
An improved deal would make it even harder for interested clubs to tempt him away halfway through the campaign.
Still, there’s a difference between what Twente hope to receive and what anyone is prepared to pay. Barcelona’s proposed €25m (£20.8m) offer hasn’t materialised yet, and there’s no indication United have submitted a bid either.
For now, Twente seem quite happy to make everyone wait. And they’re apparently hoping the eventual price will be worth it.
