Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has personally backed the signings of Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot in a deal for Gini Wijnaldum. The Dutchman is desperate for reinforcements for his Old Trafford project, yet has reportedly turned down the chance to add Premier League and Champions League winner Wijnaldum to his squad.
Midfield reinforcements have been one of the new United manager’s priorities following the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic this summer.
However, apart from Christian Eriksen, United are yet to sign anyone in that department, although a move for Rabiot is looming.
Ten Hag is understood to have spoken to the player, just as he did with Frenkie de Jong.
These are the only two central midfielders Ten Hag have agreed to sign this summer.
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Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol believes United have played all of Ten Hag’s targets this window, despite only securing three signings.
Unfortunately, Wijnaldum was not a player of interest to Ten Hag, as Solhekol clarified on The Transfer Show: “Also, I have been told that Ten Hag turned down the opportunity to sign Gini Wijnaldum from PSG.
“Last week we saw Gini Wijnaldum agree a deal to join Roma and Jose Mourinho.
“I have been told that United have been offered the chance to sign the player, who has won the title with Liverpool and the Champions League.
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Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol believes United have played all of Ten Hag’s targets this window, despite only securing three signings.
Unfortunately, Wijnaldum was not a player of interest to Ten Hag, as Solhekol clarified on The Transfer Show: “Also, I have been told that Ten Hag turned down the opportunity to sign Gini Wijnaldum from PSG.
“Last week we saw Gini Wijnaldum agree a deal to join Roma and Jose Mourinho.
“I have been told that United have been offered the chance to sign the player, who has won the title with Liverpool and the Champions League.
“But Erik ten Hag didn’t want him, even though the player was willing to move to Manchester United.”
Wijnaldum has joined Roma on a season-long loan with a view to making the move permanent.
There has also been talk that United could be ready to make a big-money swoop for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serbian has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but that has yet to materialise.
It is currently unclear whether Ten Hag have given their stamp of approval for Milinkovic-Savic amid talk that a £57m bid is imminent.
United still refuse to give up on top target De Jong, who has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to stay with Barcelona.
That said, an ongoing dispute between club and player over unpaid wages could rock the boat and push De Jong closer to the exit door.
Chelsea are believed to be the favorites for his signature, should he choose to leave Barcelona.