Manchester United target Jasper Cillessen raises concerns over his transfer

Manchester United target Jasper Cillessen believes Ajax will do everything in their power to stop him from moving to Old Trafford in the summer.

The 26-year-old's stock has risen over the past year after his World cup heroics and is Louis van Gaal's prime candidate to replace David de Gea in the summer. The Spaniard is being heavily scouted by Real Madrid who want to bring him in as a replacement for Iker Casillas.

The Red Devils management have also scouted the likes of Hugo Lloris and Asmir Begovic as possible replacements but Cillessen remains the Dutchman's most preferred buy, having worked with him as he led his national team to third place in the World cup. Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in the player to act as backup for Manuel Neuer but the player is not too fazed by the rumours, as he has his position lucidly explained by manager Frank de Boer.

"The Ajax management are going to make it really difficult when the interest becomes concrete," Cillessen said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"If I had planned to leave, I would not have signed a new contract until 2018. My old contract was expiring in the summer of 2016 and in that case this summer would have been the perfect moment to leave.

"[Ajax coach] Frank de Boer has been very clear when he received questions about my transfer - he wants to block it," he added.

United are believed to be preparing a £20m ($32m) bid for the player in the summer, which the management thinks should be enough to sign the player. However, with Ajax taking a stance over his transfer, Van Gaal may have to increase his bid and also use the relation he shares with the keeper to good effect.

Meanwhile, Cillessen insists that his performance in the World Cup has changed his life on all counts.

"Since the World Cup in Brazil the whole world has changed for me. It says something about my status that I am now linked to such big clubs," the Dutchman said.

"I can't walk in public anymore. I can't sit in a restaurant without being asked for photos and autographs."