Manchester City are set to enter the race to sign Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, according to reports. Speculation over the Dutchman and his future at the Nou Camp continues to mount despite suggestions the Catalans do not want to sell.
That is their public stance, at least, after Barcelona manager Xavi stated that he wants to keep De Jong at the club for several years to come. However, a number of publications continue to link the 24-year-old with a switch to Old Trafford as his mentor and former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag prepares to take over as manager.
His appointment was confirmed by the Old Trafford giants last week. Ten Hag will close out the rest of this term in Amsterdam chasing down a third Eredivisie title.
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The Manchester Evening News understand United are set to prioritise central midfield signings when the market opens. Declan Rice was viewed as target number one amid claims he might cost £150m or more and the framework has been put together for a deal involving England teammate Kalvin Phillips.
Naturally, due to his existing relationship with Ten Hag, that man De Jong continues to be linked. It's thought he will cost around the £72m mark as Fichajes credit City with an interest.
Elsewhere, newly-appointed manager Ten Hag is serious about signing Paulo Dybala this summer. Reported interest in the Juventus forward, 28, has already come to the fore.
However, as Dybala moves into the final two months of his contract for Juventus - with no sign of him putting pen to paper on an extension - Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claim United are ready to firm up their stance and sit down for talks over a summer transfer.
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