Erik ten Hag has been handed a familiar boost in his long-running pursuit of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
The Manchester United manager made De Jong, 25, his top transfer target last summer but ultimately failed in a move, despite the two European heavyweights coming to a £56million agreement in July. Disappointingly for Ten Hag, the midfielder - who starred in Thursday's gritty 1-0 victory over archenemies Real Madrid - dug his heels in to stay at "dream club" Barcelona, even though the LaLiga giants made him feel unwanted and hoped that his sale would help remedy their well-documented financial woes.
Nearly a year on from when reports first emerged that De Jong was being targeted by his former boss at Ajax, Barca's situation hasn't changed and they're still in desperate need of cash. Camp Nou chiefs have been told they won't be able to sign any new players this summer and must raise £178m; a boost to Ten Hag, who recently laid out his six-man transfer shortlist.
The Manchester Evening News claim United manager has told his bosses to once again pursue an agreement with De Jong in light of Barcelona's financial problems. Meanwhile, Ten Hag is also considered to be a huge fan of English ace Jude Bellingham, who is set to leave Borussia Dortmund in the near future amid links of a mega-money switch to Real Madrid, Liverpool or Manchester City.
Aside from looking to bolster his midfield, Ten Hag wants to recruit a new striker to lead the line at Old Trafford. Tottenham talisman Harry Kane and Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen are understood to be long-term targets for United, while they greatly admire Benfica ace Goncalo Ramos and Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, whom Ten Hag coached in Amsterdam.
For now, De Jong's name still appears to be at the top of Ten Hag's list. According to TalkSPORT, the Netherlands international is even believed to be increasingly attracted to the idea of playing for United and partnering Casemiro - the man who Old Trafford officials snapped up in August after De Jong rejected their advances - and forging what would be a mouth-watering midfield partnership.
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One major sticking point, however, is that Barcelona are also enjoying a resurgence and De Jong has played an instrumental role under Xavi this season. Commonly operating in a midfield trio alongside the legendary Sergio Busquets and rising star Pedri, his performances in Catalunya have delighted Xavi, who unlike the Barca board remains reluctant to part ways with De Jong.
"He was very clear with me [last summer]. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt," the Spaniard declared ahead of last month's Europa League clash with United. "He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership. He is in a great moment, like the whole team. I think he is having a good time well on the field, which is the most important thing."
Ahead of the two-legged tie in February, before his side ran out 4-3 winners against Xavi's men on aggregate, Ten Hag also had his say. "Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality," he affirmed. "If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger."
