Manchester United to Revive Interest In Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong, Manchester United, Man United

According to latest reports in England, Premier League giants Manchester United are set to revive their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, as manager Erik ten Hag looks to assess his transfer targets moving into the summer.

De Jong was designated as Ten Hag’s No 1 target soon after being appointed as Manchester United head coach, but a move could never materialise due to complicated negotiations. Despite a three-month long pursuit of the Dutch midfielder, the club failed to push the deal over the line.

The Red Devils were able to reach an agreement on the initial fee with Barcelona for the Dutchman last summer, given the Spanish side’s financial restraints. However, the former Ajax starlet refused to leave Camp Nou due to the absence of Champions League football at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag, Frenkie de Jong, Manchester United — Image Obtained Via Manchester Evening News

Although signing a centre-forward is the utmost priority for the Dutch manager this summer, he also intends to bolster his midfield department. Ten Hag wants to bring in a player to provide competition for Casemiro and Christian Eriksen and the Barcelona midfielder remains amongst his favourite targets.

According to The Guardian, Manchester United intend to revive their interest in Frenkie de Jong and are looking to make in the upcoming summer transfer window. With the club’s prospects looking much brighter than last year, they are hopeful of convincing the 25-year-old to move to Old Trafford.

However, despite United’s keen interest in bringing him to Manchester, the Dutch international is not looking to make a move away from Barcelona. Although the Catalans were willing to sell the midfielder last summer, he has since become a first-team regular under Xavi.

🚨 Manchester United have rekindled their interest in Frenkie de Jong and hope their win over Barcelona will help persuade the midfielder to join.

(Source: talkSPORT) pic.twitter.com/VHNupNxV8n

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 4, 2023

De Jong has featured in 34 games for the Blaugrana so far this season across all competitions. Additionally, he has stated that he is very happy under Xavi’s tutelage and has no immediate plans of leaving the club. Therefore, he is not expected to be moved by the prospect of working under Ten Hag at United, hitherto.

After failing to seal a deal for the 25-year-old, the Red Devils decided upon signing Casemiro from Real Madrid. The Brazilian has had an immense transformative effect on the team’s performances, helping them win their first trophy in six years.

The former Real Madrid man played a key part in the club’s Carabao Cup win against Newcastle United, besides also helping them compete on two other fronts – Europa League and FA Cup. Moreover, the Red Devils are on course to secure Champions League football for next season.

Now, as reported by talkSPORT, Frenkie de Jong could be tempted to move to Manchester United next summer, given the team’s resurgence due to the presence of Casemiro. Partnering the Brazilian in midfield could be an attractive proposition for the Barcelona man.

Additionally, with the Dutchman having experienced the atmosphere at Old Trafford during United’s win over Barcelona in the Europa League last month, along with the prospect of playing beside Casemiro, the Red Devils are set to make an attempt in securing his signing, provided De Jong expresses an interest to move to Manchester this summer.

With Barcelona needing to lower their wage bill ahead of next season, Manchester United are expected to pounce on an opportunity to sign De Jong if the scope arises.

Additionally, with Ten Hag and United preparing for a course-altering summer transfer window, the Dutch manager will be keen on landing his priority targets ahead of a crucial campaign for the club next season.

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