Manchester United could affect the transfer plans of local rivals Manchester City by landing their top target in midfield.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly already finalised which players he would like to join him at Old Trafford next season with new buys wanted across the pitch. A striker, a defensive midfielder and a right-back remain the key areas, though outgoing interim manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed that up to 10 new signings could be made.
When it comes to midfield, United could bring in several new faces – though Ten Hag apparently favours a Dutchman he worked with at Ajax.
Frenkie de Jong is reportedly interested in joining United, according to the Express – though the publication also claims that Pep Guardiola at City is enamoured with the 24-year-old.
De Jong was a key man for Ten Hag's Ajax during the Amsterdammers' 2018/19 Champions League run in which they were dramatically defeated in the Johan Cruyff Arena in the semi-finals of the competition. Guardiola has long been an admirer of the schemer and was reportedly in the mix to sign De Jong before he wound up at Barcelona that summer.
Denying the Citizens a second chance of securing their target would be satisfying for United fans – but City aren't the only rivals interested in the midfielder.
Arsenal have been credited with an interest in De Jong to fill a space in their newly-configured 4-3-3 shape, while Liverpool have also been rumoured to be tracking the player, too.
Frenkie De Jong is valued at around £63m by Transfermarkt.
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United have been linked with a vast array of talents ever since Erik ten Hag was confirmed as manager, with one surprising forward from Ajax emerging as a potential buy for the club this summer.
Rumours persist that Benfica forward Darwin Nunez may well be bought, too, while Frenkie de Jong is an apparent target for Ten Hag following their time together at Ajax. Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen is another player being talked about in relation to a move.
It's not all incomings at Old Trafford, either: one report lists the rumoured departure list out of Manchester. Paul Scholes, meanwhile, has been sharing how much of a disaster the current dressing room is from his chats with Jesse Lingard.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw
