Manchester United may have to turn to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if their lengthy chase of Frenkie de Jong winds up unfruitful.
United have been chasing De Jong for 13 weeks now after Erik ten Hag identified him early on in the summer as the key man to take his midfield up a level. Despite the several obstacles in the way of the deal, the club has backed their manager and made the Dutchman their top target. A fee was agreed with Barcelona last month but the deal has now hit an impasse due to deferred wages owed to De Jong.
With time in the transfer window running out and the need for midfield reinforcements made evident in the opening weekend defeat to Brighton, United have had to cast their net wider. A deal has been struck with Juventus for the transfer of Adrien Rabiot. Though the move for the Frenchman doesn't end the pursuit of De Jong, other backup targets are kept 'warm' in the event he can't be signed.
