Van de Beek will face PAOK amid Madrid interest – Ten Hag

Ajax star Donny van de Beek will play against PAOK in Champions League qualifying amid interest from Real Madrid, insisted head coach Erik ten Hag.

Van de Beek confirmed Madrid were in talks with Ajax over his transfer following Saturday’s 2-2 Eredivisie draw against Vitesse.

The Netherlands international midfielder emerged as a €60million target for the LaLiga giants, who have been unable to prise Paul Pogba from Manchester United.

Ajax – Champions League semi-finalists last season – will face Greek side PAOK in Tuesday’s opening leg of their third-round qualifier.

Showtime incoming…#UCL #paoaja pic.twitter.com/IloVPwy9Dl

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 5, 2019

Asked about Van de Beek, Ten Hag told reporters: “He has come here and is going to play.

“He’ll play next week too [in the second leg].”

Van de Beek made 57 appearances for Ajax last season, scoring 17 goals and supplying 13 assists as Erik ten Hag’s men clinched an Eredivisie and KNVB Beker double and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.