Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is optimistic the club will be able to keep hold of Donny van de Beek, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Netherlands international Van de Beek was one of Ajax’s stars last season as they made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, a run that included a 5-3 aggregate success over Real.

The 22-year-old has picked up where he left off last term by scoring two goals and providing two assists from his opening two appearances of the new Eredivisie season and his form has seen him be linked with a number of Europe’s top clubs.

La Liga giants Real are the side that have been credited with the most interest and Van de Beek recently confirmed they have held talks with Ajax over his potential transfer. However, Ten Hag has now delivered an update on Van de Beek’s future and he is feeling confident that the midfielder will opt to remain at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

“[Van de Beek] only dedicates himself to playing,” Ten Hag told reporters head of the second-leg of Ajax’s Champions League third qualifying round tie with PAOK. “I guess and I hope that he stays with us this season. Otherwise, I will hear from Marc Overmars.”

Ajax will need to keep players of the quality of Van de Beek if they are to repeat or surpass last season’s heroics in the Champions League. The Amsterdam club are priced at 41.00 to win Europe’s premier club competition come the end of the campaign.