Man United pursuit of Frenkie de Jong could hit the rocks after Sky update – pundit
Kevin Campbell has suggested Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong could reject a move to Man United if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker believes Ronaldo’s public desire to leave Old Trafford will be “a problem” for the Red Devils in the transfer market.
As revealed by this site (27 June) United are in advanced talks to sign De Jong for a fee in the region of £64.4million.
However, a deal for the Netherlands international is taking longer than the club would like.
As reported by Sky Sports (3 July), Ronaldo has told Man United he wants to leave amid concerns over trophies and transfers.
The Portugal international is understood to be keen on leaving for a club in the Champions League.
When asked by Football Insider if Ronaldo’s stance could have a negative effect on United’s transfer targets, Campbell said: “That is going to be a problem.
“Players will come to United to play with Ronaldo. Let’s have it right, it’s a lure. Players would love to play with him.
“Once players hear that Ronaldo wants to leave, players will ask themselves, ‘Who else have you got?’
“It is not the same proposition even though it is Manchester United, a huge, massive club.
“Without Ronaldo there they are not the same proposition. That is the harsh truth of the matter.”
In other news, a pundit has slammed Bruno Fernandes after journalist’s Man United transfer update and claimed ‘it must annoy you as a teammate’.