Ajax director of football Marc Overmars has dealt a heavy blow to Manchester United in their bid to sign Netherlands international Daley Blind this summer.

The former Arsenal star was quoted in a Dutch newspaper as saying anyone who wants to sign Blind will need to pay an “absolute top price”.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with the Ajax left-back since performing very well under Louis van Gaal at this summer’s World Cup.

Overmars told De Telegraaf:

“We believe that we currently have a strong team and want Daley to stay for another year.

“Only if the absolute top price is paid is a transfer negotiable.”

“Daley’s management know how we feel at the moment.

“Next year we will have a much more lenient policy, we are willing to talk with Daley and we will settle for a reasonable price.”

24-year old Daley Blind plays at left-back for his club, started at left wingback in the World Cup and also spent some time playing in the centre of midfield helping the Netherlands to a third-place finish.

Manchester United have already signed two left-backs this summer – Luke Shaw from Southampton and Marcos Rojo from Sporting Club.  They are believed to be chasing a holding midfielder however, and presumably Blind would have filled that role should United offer Ajax a large sum.

It seems likely that Daley Blind will be staying put in Amsterdam for the 2014-15 season.