Manchester United target Ibrahim Sangare ‘could be a good foil’ for Frenkie de Jong, should they both make the switch to Old Trafford, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The duo have both been heavily linked with moves to United this summer and could form a new-look midfield under the guise of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

What is the latest news involving Man Utd?

United have improved their defensive options with the captures of Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, while Christian Eriksen’s arrival on a free transfer has bolstered their resources in attack.

Ten Hag is now expected to focus his attention on the midfield, and Barcelona’s De Jong is known to be his number one target.

However, negotiations over a potential deal appear to have reached an impasse despite the two clubs agreeing on a €75 million (£63.6) deal plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.

De Jong was recently included in Barca’s pre-season tour of the United States, indicating that a conclusion to the protracted talks are not yet in sight and that the speculation is set to continue for a while longer still.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported back in June that United were ‘interested’ in snapping up Sangare from PSV Eindhoven, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle also listed as potential suitors.

What has O’Rourke said about Sangare?

Sangare is believed to have a €35 million (£29.9m) release clause written into his contract, and O’Rourke reckons he has the ability to provide the perfect balance alongside De Jong.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He looks like he could be a good foil for De Jong.

GiveMeSport Transfer Latest

“Sangare is the typical defensive midfielder, box-to-box, likes to make tackles and get about the pitch and would also add some legs into that Manchester United engine room as well.

“And Ten Hag will know all about him from his time in Holland with Sangare being a key player for PSV.”

Would Sangare be a good signing?

Sangare has been described as “dangerous” in front of goal by analyst Aad de Mos, although it’s his ability to shield the back four and stop opposition attacks before kickstarting ones of his own that really catch the eye.

The Ivory Coast international averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per league game for PSV last term, placing him above all of his teammates for both metrics, as per WhoScored.

United are yet to follow up apparent interest in Sangare with a formal offer, but if they do and are also able to get a deal for De Jong over the line, then they could transform their midfield fortunes in a single summer.