Ajax general manager Edwin van der Sar has branded Daley Blind "a fantastic player" as the Dutch giants reportedly close in on a deal for the Manchester United midfielder.

Ajax are believed to have agreed a £14m deal with United to re-sign the 28-year-old this summer.

Blind made over 140 appearances for Ajax before joining United in 2014, and Van der Sar has paid tribute to the Dutchman as a move draws closer.

Van der Sar told Omnisport: "I think Daley is a fantastic player. He's multi-functional, can be a left-back, centre-half and a defensive midfielder. For Netherlands and for Manchester United, he played many good games.

"I think it's no secret that we are still looking for a central defender and, if possible, it would be a great addition for Ajax to have a player with the quality of Daley to fit in the team."

Blind has been left out of the United squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.