Manchester United will resume their long-running pursuit of Frenkie de Jong this summer, say reports, but the Barcelona midfielder could take some convincing of a move.
De Jong was the Red Devils’ top target ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but he stayed put at Camp Nou after months of speculation about his future.
The Netherlands international, who has a contract to June 2026 with the La Liga leaders, has been a key figure for Xavi’s side this season.
The Guardian reports that United will make a second attempt to land his signature at the end of the season.
De Jong, who previously worked under Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is happy in Spain and isn’t looking for a move.
But United will try to change his mind in the off-season as Ten Hag seeks a reunion with his former charge.
Signing a striker is also a priority for the Old Trafford club, according to the newspaper, as the half-season loan signing of Wout Weghorst from Burnley was a stop-gap solution.
The level of financial firepower available to United in the summer remains to be seen, but they are on course to qualify for the Champions League, with Ten Hag's side currently third in the Premier League standings.
The arrival of the Dutch manager has heralded an upturn in the club’s fortunes, as they ended a six-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup last weekend.
De Jong has scored two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season and played every minute in both legs of his side’s 4-3 aggregate defeat to United in the Europa League play-off round last month.
The 25-year-old is valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt.
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United are looking to capitalise on their resurgence in the transfer market, with big new signings. Victor Osimhen is one option for €100m, Declan Rice is on the radar and Jeremie Frimpong could arrive as a new right-back. More outlandish theories include signing Kylian Mbappe and selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal.
The Glazer ownership are not guaranteed to sell up – despite bids from lifelong fan, Sir Jim Radcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has underlined the importance of positive mentality at Old Trafford.
‘Chelsea have to qualify for the Champions League for this season to be a success – they showed that they have the players to perform at a high level, they need a win quickly now’ Blues legend’s fears over recent bad run
'I’d probably pick Cole Palmer alongside Bellingham and Rice in there at the moment. For me, Declan Rice is good enough to play that central midfield role on his own' Thomas Tuchel advised to DROP Manchester City star by England legend
