Manchester United continue to pursue Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong as a potential solution to their long-term midfield woes - but his past comments about a reunion with Netherlands teammate Matthijs de Ligt should raise concerns with their mentor and former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
Products of the famed Ajax system, De Jong and De Ligt were instrumental figures when the Amsterdam side put themselves back on the European map with a run to the Champions League semis in 2019. Barcelona and Juventus came calling for them, respectively, the following summer.
Fast forward three years and United have identified De Jong as their priority target. However, getting that transfer over the line has been anything but plain-sailing. However, ex-colleague De Ligt is preparing for another adventure after Bayern Munich confirmed he will head to Germany in a £68million switch from Juventus.
