Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag would still like to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong if he became available in the future, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Ten Hag splashed more than £200 million on new recruits after being appointed as the club’s new manager but missed out on one of his top targets.
What is the latest on De Jong?
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona may be forced to sell the 25-year-old next summer in order to continue improving their squad.
The report adds that the likes of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are all likely to be moved on too as President Joan Laporta looks to make room on the club’s wage bill.
But, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, De Jong’s situation will only change once the player himself decides he wants out.
United had reportedly agreed a £56 million fee with Barcelona for the midfielder’s services in the summer, only for the agreement to expire amid a backdrop of wage disputes at the Camp Nou.
What has Sheth said on the situation?
Sheth understands that, if De Jong were to become available for transfer in January or next summer, Ten Hag would still want to bring him in.
The Sky Sports reporter adds that the Barcelona ace was the Dutchman’s number-one target in the summer and does not seem ready to move on just yet.
Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “The Frenkie de Jong situation, I can't believe I'm even mentioning him yet again, but the fact of the matter is that, if he was to become available be in January or the summer, simply because he was Eric ten Hag’s number one target, I still believe he would still want to bring in someone like Frankie Frenkie de Jong.”
Why does Ten Hag want De Jong?
While the Netherlands international may not have arrived, Ten Hag did bolster his midfield with the signing of Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro.
Nevertheless, it is clear the manager remains a huge fan of De Jong, which will likely stem from their days together at Ajax.
Under Ten Hag’s management, De Jong transfer to Barcelona in a £65 million deal.
The midfielder has previously been lauded for ‘bringing an extra quality’ by Louis van Gaal so it is little surprise he remains so coveted by the Red Devils.
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