Manchester United realise deal for Frenkie de Jong difficult with Chelsea in the race
There is ‘acceptance’ at Manchester United that a transfer for Frenkie de Jong is complicated with Chelsea in the race as well, according to CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs on Twitter.
There is no chance of the Dutch midfielder coming to Old Trafford this summer with the Blues pushing for his signing. The 25-year-old himself prefers to stay at Barcelona. But if push comes to shove, the Holland international would prefer a move to London.
De Jong wants Champions League football. United missed out on a top-four berth in the previous campaign. The 25-year-old also sees the Manchester-based club as ‘unstable’.
United have been following De Jong ever since Erik ten Hag came into the dugout. The Red Devils lost Paul Pogba at the end of last season. Now, the club needs to add flair to the middle of the park.
United have brought in a few additions this summer as of yet with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. We’ve focused on the defence up until now, but a number eight and a defensive midfielder should also be on the agenda.
The Manchester-based club got the Danish international on a free transfer. While the 30-year-old did play as a box-to-box midfielder at Brentford, he’s more attack-minded.
On the other hand, while Martinez is a centre-back, the Argentine is good with his feet. The 24-year-old has played in the number six role for Ajax in the past under Ten Hag.
United do have youngsters capable of providing cover in the middle of the park. James Garner impressed people in his spell at Nottingham Forest as a defensive midfielder. Zidane Iqbal also showed promise during the pre-season games.
More Manchester United News
- The Red Devils in talks with Adrien Rabiot and his mother Veronique to seal a transfer from Juventus
- Manchester United have renewed interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
- United have begun talks with Real Betis for Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez
De Jong would be a quality addition to the United squad. But whether or not the club manage to get him after the dragged-out saga is something only time will tell.
