Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp was instrumental in Donny van de Beek’s decision to join Manchester United over the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Dutchman was absent from Netherlands training this afternoon as he undergoes a medical in Amsterdam ahead of a £40.3million move to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old had looked set to join Real Madrid before the global pandemic hit but the La Liga giants attempted to renegotiate a price for Van de Beek that reflected the financial downturn.
Ronald Koeman managed Van de Beek during his time as Holland boss and he was keen to sign the midfielder after being appointed Barcelona manager a fortnight ago.
However, Manchester United stole a march on the La Liga giants by agreeing a fee on Saturday and Sky Sports claim Bergkamp’s role was pivotal.
The former Arsenal forward was Ajax’s assistant manager as Van de Beek made his way through the ranks in Amsterdam and the midfielder dates the forward’s daughter, Estelle.
Bergkamp is said to have advised the midfielder to move to Old Trafford and Van de Beek was minded to take his advice, given the 51-year-old struggled in Italy before shining in England with Arsenal.
The former Inter Milan ace was fond of the midfielder during his time at the Johan Cruyff arena, with former manager Frank De Boer revealing just how much Bergkamp rated Van De Beek.
‘Dennis started talking enthusiastically about a talent in his youth team. It was a boy who reminded Dennis of himself at that age. That was the signal for me to keep an eye on that guy. That was Donny,’ said De Boer.
Jadon Sancho, the 20-year-old Dortmung winger, remains the club’s priority but negotiations are at a standstill due to United’s reluctantance to meet the Germans’ £108m asking price.
Elsewhere, Solskjaer hopes to sign a centre-back to partner Harry Maguire.
RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is a leading target but a deal for Sancho is United’s current priority.
