Dutch Starlet Daley Sinkgraven Tells Manchester United He is Not Ready for a Move Abroad

Heerenveen midfielder Daley Sinkgraven would appear to have ended Manchester United's hopes of signing him in the near future after revealing his desire to join Ajax.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season in the Eredivisie, progress which has reportedly caught the eye of Louis van Gaal.

Reports in the British press have claimed United may even consider making a move for the Netherlands Under-21 international as soon as the winter transfer window in order to fend off interest from Europe's elite.

But with both Ajax and PSV Eindhoven monitoring his progress, Sinkgraven has insisted he is likely to remain in his homeland for a few more years - even if United come in with a formal offer.

"I see it is a compliment that such big clubs are interested," Sinkgraven said, speaking to Omrop Fryslan.

"I would first prefer to play at the top of the Netherlands. I think it is too soon to move to a foreign country. Ajax would be a nice step."

Sinkgraven has already been advised by his former coach Gertjan Verbeek to remain in Netherlands in order to develop the physical side of his game.

Speaking after the teenager's performance in Herenveen's 2-2 drsaw with Zwolle last Sunday - a game where Sinkgraven provided the assist for his side's second - Verbeek said:

"You can see that physically he is still coming up short," Verbeek said. "He is a boy who has come from the youth ranks to the first team and needs to be replaced at the end of the match because of cramp.

"When that is the case you are not ready to play football in the Premier League."

Despite the club's chief executive Ed Woodward suggesting January arrivals at Old Trafford are unlikely, United remain linked with a host of names to strengthen their side in midfield and defence.