Manchester United target Jasper Cillessen open to Old Trafford move

Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has provided encouragement to Louis van Gaal by stating that he would be open to making a move to Manchester United in the near future.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford to replace David de Gea, but the Spaniard's future at the club is still uncertain, given United have told Real Madrid that they would only be able to sign the keeper if they allow Sergio Ramos to come to Old Trafford in a swap deal, as reported by the BBC.

The Spanish club have refused to pay heed to that request and may choose to wait until next summer to take De Gea on a free, after his contract expires with the club.

Cillessen has previously worked with Louis van Gaal during the World Cup in 2014, putting in a brilliant performance to lead the Dutch team to the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Argentina. The player would not be averse to rekindle his relationship yet again, but revealed that there has been no contact with the 20-time English Champions thus far.

"I have only heard the rumours so I don't worry about it until I hear something from my agent. If I don't hear something from my agent, I enjoy playing at Ajax. I ask my agent, who also is Memphis Depay's, and he says we don't know anything," Cillessen said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"Of course, it's a great club, Manchester United, but I cannot do anything with rumours. It would be a great step," he added.

Meanwhile, Ajax manager Frank de Boer conceded that it would be difficult to keep Cillessen at the club should United come in with a huge bid, giving him a massive hike on his current wages.

"We want to keep him and he wants to stay, but if Manchester United come with a bag of money it can be difficult," De Boer said.