Erik ten Hag ‘asks Man Utd to make new efforts to seal Frenkie de Jong transfer’ with boss still wanting Barcelona star
ERIK TEN HAG will try to get Manchester United to pursue summer transfer target Frenkie de Jong again in January, according to reports.
The Red Devils spent the summer chasing the Dutchman, 25, and even agreed a £72million deal with Barcelona.
However, the player rejected the move and stayed put at the Camp Nou, despite a row with the Catalan club over £17m of unpaid wages.
But according to Sport, Ten Hag has asked United to go back in for him in the New Year.
De Jong is viewed as someone who can improve United’s creativity and control within games.
The Dutch international has started just five games for Xavi’s Barca this term, with one of those coming in the Champions League.
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Whether Barca’s Champions League status plays a part in a move is yet to be seen.
Barca are on the verge of dropping into the Europa League for the second season in a row, which will cost the club £18m.
Chelsea also held an interest in De Jong in the summer.
And should the midfielder stay put until the end of the season, the West Londoners could return for him.
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Bayern Munich are also likely to be keen on De Jong.
He would join a star-studded midfield alongside the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.