Manchester United report: Surprising Frenkie de Jong alternative set for move

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag arrives prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on May 13, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Manchester United are exploring a deal for a Frenkie de Jong alternative that may well raise eyebrows among fans.

The Red Devils were extensively linked with De Jong last summer, as Ten Hag looked to bring in his former midfielder from Ajax to reshape his midfield. The 26-year-old remained at Barcelona, however, though the interest that Ten Hag has to bring a ball-carrying, press-evading midfielder to Old Trafford remains. 

With Manchester United also looking to add another striker, centre-back and potentially a goalkeeper to the side, cheaper options in midfield have been touted – with another Eredivisie target on the wishlist for the United boss this summer.

Frenkie de Jong central midfield of Barcelona and Netherlands gestures during the friendly match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camp Nou on August 24, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.

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)

Spanish outlet Fichajes are making the claim that United are now targeting Utrecht midfielder, Taylor Booth.

A significantly lower profile in comparison to De Jong – who has just won La Liga with Barça – 21-year-old American international Booth has enjoyed a breakout season in the Dutch top tier.

Booth was at Bayern Munich – but when the Bavarians failed to offer him a new deal last summer, he joined Utrecht and has gone from strength to strength.

With Ten Hag looking to move on a number of midfielders, according to reports – including both Fred and Scott McTominay – more cover in the centre of the park could well be necessary.

Taylor Booth of the United States poses for a portrait on March 20, 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

Taylor Booth of the United States is a target for Manchester United (Image credit: John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

It is also believed that the loan deal for Marcel Sabitzer won't be made permanent this summer.

Booth is valued at around €6 million by Transfermarkt.

More Manchester United stories

The rumour mill is ticking over when it comes to new faces at Old Trafford. Two Brighton stars have been linked, with another two Bundesliga players rumoured.

Three big names have been linked with exits, however, while James Ward-Prowse is reportedly on the midfield shortlistGoncalo Ramos is a target and Bruno Fernandes might yet leave

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.