Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014



Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ajax left-back Daley Blind after Barcelona were able to land their preferred target.

The Blaugrana had been struggling to do a deal with Valencia for Jeremy Mathieu, something which caused them to consider Blind as an alternative.

 



However, earlier today Barcelona were able to agree a €20m fee with Valencia for Mathieu, who has penned a four-year contract at the Camp Nou, with a release clause of €50m.

And that is likely to see Barcelona withdraw from the race for Blind.

 


The Ajax defender is thought to be in Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's sights, with the Red Devils said to be preparing a €22m bid to secure the 24-year-old.

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Blind's talent has been talked up by the brother of Ajax coach Frank de Boer, Ronald de Boer, who feels the defender-cum-midfielder has improved at a rapid rate over the last two years.

The Dutchman further boosted his reputation at this summer's World Cup, where he helped Van Gaal's Netherlands side to finish third in the tournament.

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