The Manchester Evening News understands that Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to reunite him with manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer could cost anywhere up to £75m but reports in Spain state that the Catalan side are open to selling the player so they can make signings elsewhere.
And one of those players is striker Robert Lewandowski. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Barcelona were interested in bringing the player to the Nou Camp and had agreed personal terms with the player earlier this month, but now the striker has gone one step further.
In a recent press conference while on international duty with Poland, he said: "My era at Bayern is over. I do not see any possibility to continue playing for this club. Bayern is a serious club and I believe they will not keep me. I do not want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they do not stop me."
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With the striker confirming that he has one foot out the door, this may put more pressure on Barcelona to fast-track the sale of De Jong. Xavi has remained coy in recent press conferences, stating that he prefers to keep the player. He said: "For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like de Jong."
However Xavi also wants Lewandowski and given the club also has to register Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, something will have to give. And coincidentally De Jong is both their most 'saleable' asset and also in the position where they have the most competition, with golden boy Pedri also competing for minutes.
This could put United in a strong position with the club but they will still need to convince the player. Having finished sixth this season they are out of the Champions League next year and this could be a sticking point for De Jong.
But United will be hoping that Ten Hag will be able to sway the midfielder into moving to Old Trafford. De Jong would act as a replacement for Paul Pogba in this current United squad; not in the like for like sense, but in terms of the players' quality.
Overall United should not be drawn into chasing a dream scenario with De Jong as they have done in the past; overpaying for a player who doesn't want to come to Manchester. But if Ten Hag wants him and can convince him, hopefully, the Dutch midfielder can be a key midfielder for years to come.
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