Frenkie de Jong was the subject of an extensive transfer saga last summer, with Manchester United seeking his signature
(Image credit: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Manchester United may not have given up on their Frenkie de Jong pursuit – even now.
The Barcelona star was very clearly the no.1 target for Erik ten Hag this summer, with the Red Devils wanting a defensive-minded midfielder. Eventually, Real Madrid star Casemiro arrived for around £60 million, with De Jong now reintegrated into the Barça set-up.
Ten Hag knows De Jong very well from their time working together at Ajax. The midfielder was a key component of the side that made it to the 2019 Champions League semi-final and even on deadline day, United haven't given up hope that the player may sign for them eventually.
According to the Express, United have not lost hope on De Jong even in the final hours of the window – and with Ten Hag quite this keen to sign the player, it may be a deal that gets done later.
Manchester United could well wait until January to move again for Barcelona or go again next summer. Previously, the Red Devils have bided their time for top targets, with Jadon Sancho being one shining example of that.
Sancho was chased throughout the 2020 transfer window, with then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer particularly keen to sign the starlet, only for him to remain at Borussia Dortmund that summer. United returned 12 months later, however, eventually getting their man.
The same could happen with De Jong, with multiple sources suggesting that the Carrington outfit are not put off by landing the Dutchman.
Sporting Life have reported that one more bid for De Jong will be made on deadline day, though the only business expected from United is the capture of Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.
De Jong is valued at around £54m by Transfermarkt.
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Antony has arrived to tip Manchester United’s summer spending beyond £200m. Despite this, United may still be active in the window late on: Memphis Depay has been linked with a shock return, with more deals planned.
Attacking target Christian Pulisic is set to remain at Stamford Bridge, though Victor Osimhen may be on the radar. Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco has been touted, while both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jamie Vardy were at point linked. United were also interested in Bayer Leverkusen-bound Callum Hudson-Odoi and Atletico apparently offered a swap deal to bring Ronaldo to Madrid.
Erik ten Hag has admitted uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, while hailing Bruno Fernandes amidst Scott McTominay’s handball controversy. Elsewhere, pundits have been torn over the new Red Devils signings with Graeme Souness suggesting Lisandro Martinez will be “found out” and Rio Ferdinand scoffing at Souness’s comments about Casemiro.
