Edwin van der Sar is said to have had a big part to play in Donny van de Beek's prospective move from Ajax to Manchester United.
Multiple reports claim that the two clubs have agreed a fee of around £40m for the attacking midfielder to make the switch to Old Trafford.
And it is believed the 23-year-old will travel to England on Monday, with the deal likely to be confirmed in the coming days.
Van der Sar, who is chief executive officer at Ajax, played in goal for United for six seasons, helping them win four Premier League titles and a Champions League.
He still has a soft spot for his former team, and according to The Guardian his links with United have aided them in beating off competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona for Van de Beek's signature.
His Ajax manager Erik ten Hag also appeared resigned to losing the player by leaving him out of a friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
And when asked about Van de Beek after the game, Ten Hag said: “There are indeed developments that keep him out of the selection. We will see what happens. We’ll make an announcement as soon as there’s some clarity.
“The fact that Donny did not play does indicate a direction. The request not to let him play did not come specifically from one side. We do that together. Agreements have been made about a possible transfer, and if that possibility arises you must also cooperate.”
Van de Beek would become United's first signing of the summer following a frustrating window so far, which has seen them fail to land No.1 target Jadon Sancho as well as the likes of Jack Grealish.
With around a month to go until the window slams shut, however, United fans will be hoping Van de Beek is the first of at least a couple more new faces through the door.
