Real Madrid have dropped out of the race to sign Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar confirmed last week that Real and Manchester United were keen on the Holland international.

But De Telegraaf's football chief Valentijn Driessen, speaking on Veronica Inside, revealed: "Initially we had Real Madrid, of course, which was as good as settled. It was almost certain. But I now heard that Real is backtracking. The chance that he will go to Real Madrid is nil.

"In fact, everything was settled, it was all about the medical examination at the time. The point is: Real has a lot of very expensive players. There are still players who have to leave first. And they are also renovating the stadium. If they buy players, they buy players who they know are there immediately, that they are an added value, also in terms of marketing. Boys like Paul Pogba or Neymar."