Frenkie de Jong: ‘Huge’ update on Man United transfer – sources
Man United are unlikely to make a move to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona before 31 August, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Barcelona are keen to push the 27-year-old out of the door to clear his “huge” wages from the bill.
De Jong emerged as a target for United thanks to his relationship with Erik ten Hag after a new midfielder became the club’s top priority in the transfer market.
However, the recruitment team are targeting a more defensive-minded option to play at the base of their midfield.
Football Insider revealed on 11 August that Manuel Ugarte remains the name at the top of their list of targets, but they may need to sell players before they can meet his asking price.
Other names on their shortlist include Monaco’s Youssouf Foffana and Burnley’s Sander Berge.
Man United unlikely to complete Frenkie de Jong signing from Barcelona
De Jong made the move to Barcelona from Ten Hag’s Ajax side in 2019 and he has since made 213 appearances for the club.
During that time, he has lifted the Spanish Cup and Super Cup, as well as one La Liga title, but has been part of a squad which has endured the most turbulent spell in the club’s history.
The Dutch midfielder has been a long-term target for United as the boss remains keen on a reunion with more players who featured under him during his time in the Eredivisie.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have both arrived this summer, joining Antony, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez as part of the former Ajax cohort.
However, De Jong has shown no indication that he wants to leave Barcelona, where he is the highest-paid player, before the transfer window closes.
Concerns have also been flagged by the recruitment team at Old Trafford about his frequent injury issues given their own struggles last season.
In other news, Man United have told legend to find a new club.
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