Manchester United could sign Sassuolo's Davide Frattesi as a "cheaper alternative" to Frenkie de Jong, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Red Devils tried to bring De Jong to Old Trafford in one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer, but Erik ten Hag may now choose to look elsewhere to strengthen his midfield.

What is the latest news involving Frattesi?

There are a whole host of teams believed to be interested in the signing of Frattesi, but he recently indicated to Corriere dello Sport that he dreamed of a return to Roma, for whom he played in the youth academy, and made 34 appearances for the U19s.

Italian source Il Resto del Carlino outline a plethora of potential suitors in the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United all believed to be interested, so there is likely to be stiff competition for the Italian's signature.

CalcioMercato claim that the asking price that Sassuolo are likely to place on their prized asset is around £30m, while also highlighting Serie A giants Juventus as another interested party, so the midfielder will have a decision to make about whether he wants to stay in his home country, or venture abroad for a fresh challenge.

What has O'Rourke said about Frattesi?

A deal for De Jong now appears to be off the table, as the Dutchman is settled in the Barcelona side, making 13 appearances so far this season, while Spanish sources report it would take an "astronomical" fee for Xavi to part with him.

As such, O'Rourke believes that Frattesi is a suitable cheaper alternative for Ten Hag, and claims that the player would be interested in a move, telling GIVEMESPORT: "Frattesi would definitely be a cheaper alternative and I think if Man United were to make a serious offer, Sassuolo would find it hard to find down, and I'm sure Frattesi would be very much interested in a potential move to the Premier League to such a big club like Manchester United."

Would Frattesi be a better option than De Jong?

It appears that De Jong has no interest in joining United, telling De Telegraaf that he wishes to remain at Barcelona for another decade, insisting that he is happy at Camp Nou.

With that in mind, and the fact that he is now likely to cost even more than the £63m that was reportedly agreed in the summer, it makes sense for Ten Hag to instead turn his attention to Frattesi.

Although he plys his trade as more of a defensive midfielder, the 23-year-old has started to display his qualities on the front foot this season, already matching his Serie A goal tally of four last season during 15 appearances this term.

Fabrizio Romano has previously described the United target as "super talented", and it is evident why, placed in the 96th percentile for his non-penalty expected goals compared to his positional peers over the past year, highlighting the improvements he is making to his attacking ability.

As Frattesi would also be available for a much lower transfer fee than the alternative, De Jong, Ten Hag should switch his focus in the next transfer window, and try to secure the Italian's signature.