Manchester United Transfer News: Defender Open to Old Trafford Switch

Ajax defender Daley Blind has hinted that he is open to a move to Manchester United, if manager Louis van Gaal makes an offer for him.

The 24-year-old, who was impressive under van Gaal as Netherlands finished third in the 2014 World Cup, has now been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils targeting new defenders following the departures of Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic to Juventus, Queen Park Rangers and Inter Milan respectively.

And Blind, despite saying that he is happy at Ajax, has added fuel to the fire, by saying that he might leave the Dutch side if he gets a better opportunity elsewhere.

"I am happy here in Amsterdam," Blind told Sky Sports. "But if there comes another club I will have to think about it and then we will see. I will think about my options. For now I will focus on Ajax and we will see what happens next week."

Ajax boss Frank de Boer also admits that Blind deserves to be at a bigger club but he feels that the defender will improve even further, if he continues with the Dutch side for another season.

"I am convinced he will make the right choice," de Boer said. "If he goes to a big club then he has definitely deserved it. But I think it would be better if he stays one year. Last year was a good year for him but I think he can improve a lot with us."

However, the 44-year-old manager admitted that Ajax will not be able to keep Blind, if they receive a big offer.

"If a club comes along with a lot of money it is almost impossible to say no. But we won't let him go for free that is for sure. It is important for the player and the club that there is no tension or that it happens at the last minute."

Blind, who is capable of playing in a number of midfield and defensive positions, can certainly prove to be a very good signing for van Gaal, who is looking to implement the 3-5-2 system at United.

Despite primarily being used as a central midfielder, the player, who was voted the Dutch Footballer of the Year after helping Ajax win their fourth successive Eredivisie title last season, was also impressive playing as a left-back for the Netherlands in the World Cup.