Erik ten Hag, now working as FC Twente's technical director, has confirmed that several European heavyeweights are showing interest in Ruud Nijstad, who has been linked with Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona and Manchester United.

18-year-old FC Twente centre-back Ruud Nijstad has reportedly attracted interest from several top clubs, including Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona and Manchester United.

Speaking on Goedemorgen Eredivisie (via Twente Insite), Erik ten Hag, who now serves as FC Twente's technical director, confirmed that a host of clubs have made enquiries about the young defender.

"He's a huge talent who broke into the team last season. He's still very young, but he carries himself with tremendous confidence. He's a joy to work with," ten Hag said.

“A whole host of top European clubs have made enquiries. I think that's only a positive thing.

“What's particularly pleasing is that he has made a very conscious decision to stay at FC Twente for at least another year. Perhaps even longer, but certainly for this season.”

However, Ten Hag is aware that a significant bid could eventually make Nijstad's departure difficult to prevent.

"Every club in the Netherlands has to sell players every year. That's the reality of being in the Eredivisie. If you want to remain competitive in Europe, you need a certain budget. But to maintain that budget, you also have to sell players. That applies to FC Twente, but also to Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord," the former Manchester United manager concluded.

The Dutch youth international has made 17 appearances for Twente this season.