Crystal Palace are favourites to sign Donny van de Beek after Manchester United gave the Dutch outcast permission to leave on loan, talkSPORT understands.
Patrick Vieira’s influence has been key in the Eagles’ move, with the Arsenal legend using his relationship with former teammate Dennis Bergkamp to try and get a deal over the line.
Van de Beek is dating Bergkamp’s daughter, Estelle. The couple are expecting their first child later this year.
It is believed the Dutch legend has intervened to improve the midfielder’s situation, with claims the 24-year-old has ‘begged’ Man United to let him leave Old Trafford in January.
Much was expected of the Netherlands international when he arrived from Ajax in the summer of 2020, but it has not been the move Van de Beek would have dreamed about since his £40million transfer.
The midfielder has made just 27 appearances in all competitions in 18 months at United, starting just four games this season – Phil Jones has more – and is keen to end his Red Devils nightmare in search of more regular first-team football.
He was one of the players looking to benefit from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, having clearly not been part of the Norwegian’s plans, but it has been the same old story under interim coach Ralf Rangnick, having started just one game under the German – the 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League.
Van de Beek has even changed his agent to help get him a move away from Old Trafford, and it is understood Bergkamp is also personally involved to help get his future son-in-law a move away from United.
Sources claim Bergkamp has spoken to Vieira about taking the talented midfielder to Crystal Palace, and the Eagles are using that relationship between the two legendary stars to smooth Van de Beek’s path to Selhurst Park.
Talks are ongoing over a loan deal until the end of the season, although it is unclear whether United would allow the player to leave.
Van de Beek, who has been axed from the Netherlands squad due to his lack of game time since his move to United, was close to joining Everton in the summer transfer window, but the Red Devils stepped in to block the move and keep hold of him.
And, with his thoughts on returning to the Dutch team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Van de Beek is desperate to push through a move to kick-start his career elsewhere.
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