Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has emerged as ‘one of the priority targets’ for Manchester United, according to Sport.
The midfielder was a regular under Ronald Koeman, but lost prominence initially after Xavi Hernández took charge at the Camp Nou.
De Jong has improved his performances in recent times and the La Liga side expect him to be an integral part of their project next season. This could be hindered due to the interest shown from Manchester United.
The Red Devils have appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager, and he had in the past criticised Barca for not making the best use of the former Ajax star.
“With them you can go much further in a competition like the Champions League because they are high-quality players,” ten Hag said.
Sport have used the 52-year-old’s old comment to explain ‘that is what he is looking for’ at Manchester United. In other words, ten Hag wants the Netherlands international at his new club.
With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic set to leave Old Trafford, there will be a ‘total change in the midfield’. The addition of ‘more technical players’ can ‘completely change the face of the team’, which is where de Jong could fit in.
On the Dutchman, the newspaper states: ‘United are very clear about their new idea, but for now they have not taken the step, although at Barça they have already heard sirens on this issue and remain on the lookout’.
It’s claimed ten Hag will be handed a budget of ‘more than €250m’ by the English club to shape up the squad and has already identified de Jong as a ‘priority target’ for him.
Sport explain ‘there will be an offer’ for the player, but Barca doesn’t want to sell him. In addition to this, the player also ‘does not want to leave’, as he is ‘comfortable’ at the Camp Nou.
Xavi Hernández’s side will have to make an important sale before June 30th to improve their financial condition. The report explains a midfielder’s exit to ‘would be the least detrimental’, as long as there is an ‘off-market offer’.
Should Manchester United make such a bid for de Jong, the Catalan outlet then claims ‘that could change the scenario’ for the Dutch midfielder’s stay at Barcelona.
