Manchester United target Donny van de Beek rules out Ajax exit

Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek has ruled himself out of a move during the winter transfer amid rumours linking him to Manchester United and Real Madrid. Van de Beek has reportedly emerged as a key target for United, who are desperate for midfield reinforcements following injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.

Madrid contacted Ajax to sound out a possible deal, though a transfer did not materialise at the start of the season. Despite interest, Netherlands international Van de Beek has no plans to leave Eredivisie champions Ajax. "It is not that I can or want to do something at the moment," the 22-year-old told FOX Sports Netherlands. I have said it before and I will say it again: I will remain at Ajax this season. And maybe next season as well. These reports about Real Madrid or Man United are a good sign, but it is not important now. I've said I will stay at Ajax and I will do so for 100 per cent."

Van de Beek understands pros and cons of joining United

Links to United come as Solskjaer's team struggle to make headway in the Premier League – they are fifth and now 27 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool - in spite of Saturday's 4-0 win over Norwich.

Asked whether he could see positives and negatives in moving to Manchester, Van de Beek – who has scored eight goals across all competitions this season – said: "You can look at it like that. It is not something that is in my mind right now, but what you say is true."

Babel returns home

Meanwhile, veteran forward Ryan Babel has returned to Ajax on a season-long loan deal from Turkish side Galatasaray. The 33-year-old emerged from Ajax's youth system in 2004 before joining Liverpool three years later, though he made his way back to Amsterdam in 2012.