Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus plays down Manchester United speculation

Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus has insisted that he is "very happy" at the club amid links of a potential move to Manchester United.

Kudus joined Ajax from Danish side Nordsjaelland in the summer of 2020, but his time with the Dutch club appeared to be nearing its end last summer.

The Ghana international was linked with a move to Everton, however, Ajax decided to block the transfer, which left Kudus "disappointed".

"The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me," Kudus told De Telegraaf. "I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I wasn't playing here."

"But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was because of my reserve role.

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"I eliminated that problem myself. Everton are not doing well in the Premier League, Ajax are in the title race and under John Heitinga I am a permanent fixture.

"I have a strong faith in God and he has made the positive decision for me not to let the transfer go through."

Kudus has scored 18 goals and provided five assists in 35 competitive appearances this season, and his impressive performances have led to speculation about a possible reunion with Man United boss Erik ten Hag.

The 22-year-old lifted two Eredivisie titles and won the Dutch cup during Ten Hag's time with Ajax, before the Dutchman left to take over the reins at Old Trafford last summer.

Ten Hag has already recruited Lisandro Martinez and Antony from his former club, and with Man United looking to bolster their forward line this summer, Kudus is believed to be one of their transfer targets.

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Kudus is under contract until June 2025, and he has spoken about the possibility of renewing his deal with the Dutch club.

"I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double," Kudus said. "Why wouldn't I want to renew? I play and develop well.

"Now it's about negotiation and valuation. When the time is right, we'll see how it goes. But that will have to be conducted with my agent. I want to focus entirely on the title race."

Ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with league leaders Feyenoord, Ajax sit just three points adrift of their rivals.