Manchester United believe they can sign Frenkie de Jong for a lower price than Barcelona. The Dutch international previously played for Erik ten Hag at Ajax. And the couple could meet at Old Trafford, especially after the confirmed departure of Paul Pogba.
Manchester United announced on Wednesday that Pogba would leave the club after six disappointing years.
He joins Nemanja Matic to leave the door, with the Serbian international linked to a move to Rome, who is currently led by former coach Jose Mourinho.
United’s interest in De Jong has been well documented in recent weeks, although the midfielder himself insisted that he would like to stay at Barcelona.
Now, The Sun says the Red Devils are confident they can land the 25-year-old at low cost.
It is said that Barcelona want a minimum of 67 million pounds to separate from the player, who arrived from Ajax just three years ago.
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And he’s not the only player on United’s radar, as they are preparing for a summer season.
In defense, Jurrien Timber is in his sights, although he has indicated that he is more than happy to remain at Ajax at the moment.
Pau Torres is also being watched, 12 months after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in getting the Villarreal star.
It’s a surprising move for N’Golo Kante, although there are some concerns that the Chelsea star may have had his best moment.
And, at the top, United are watching Benfica striker Darwin Núñez.
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If De Jong moves to England, he will become the ninth player to play for both the Red Devils and Barcelona.
Henrik Larsson, Mark Hughes, Laurent Blanc, Jordi Cruyff, Gerard Piqué, Víctor Valdés, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez have participated for both teams.
And with the summer transfer window approaching, it looks like a saga that will continue.
Speaking earlier this week, when asked about his future, De Jong said: “Barcelona is just the club of my dreams. Also since I was a child. I said that too.
“I have never regretted my choice even though I had expected more in terms of awards than I have achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice. “
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He added: “What I am saying is that there is absolutely no agreement or official. At the moment there is no talk of it.
“Not that I know of any. Or they shouldn’t have told me, but I don’t think so.”
United have a good record with Dutch players.
Although Donny van de Beek has not ignited the world, like Memphis Depay before him, Daley Blind was a solid presence during his time at the club.
And United saw Ruud van Nistelrooy, Edwin van der Sar and Robin van Persie shine when Sir Alex Ferguson ruled.