Donny van de Beek looked Bernabeu-bound at one point last summer – now Ajax have decided to reward him for his loyalty.

According to Voetbal International, the Amsterdam club’s hierarchy will boost the 22-year-old’s wages without touching the duration of his existing contract, which runs until 2022.

Van de Beek was a revelation in the Champions League last season in an Ajax side that shocked Europe. Stationed as a No10 alongside the likes of Dusan Tadic, Hakim Ziyech and David Neres, he was one of their standout performers as they bested Real Madrid and Juventus in the knockout stages.

The attacking midfielder scored a total of 17 goals in 57 games in 2018/19 as he helped Ajax, who eventually lost in the UCL semi-finals to Tottenham, to a domestic league and cup double.

Real had reportedly sounded out Paul Pogba, Christian Eriksen and Van de Beek as midfield targets over the summer, and the Ajax man’s new deal does not necessarily mean Los Blancos will cool off their interest.