Erik ten Hag ‘has asked Manchester United chiefs to renew efforts to land Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona’, with Dutchman insisting he ‘still lacks quality in the middle of the park’… but Holland international’s ‘priority’ is to stay at the Nou Camp
- Manchester United are continuing to target Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong
- The Red Devils agreed a fee for the Barcelona midfielder during the summer
- However, De Jong was reluctant to depart the Nou Camp and remained in Spain
- Ten Hag reportedly sees De Jong as crucial to take United to the next level
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will try and push the club to make another attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong in January, according to reports.
The Red Devils pursued the Barcelona midfielder throughout the summer transfer window but were unable to get the deal over the line.
It looked like the move had been done at one point after United agreed a £63million fee with Barcelona.
But De Jong’s reluctance to leave the Nou Camp, along with significant complications with the Spanish giant’s finances including disputes over unpaid wages to the Dutchman, meant the move failed to happen.
Manchester United will make another move to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
De Jong was reportedly unwilling to move to a club not in the Champions League, with Ten Hag’s side competing in the Europa League this season.
However, according to Spanish outlet Sport, the United boss has asked the club to make another attempt to sign the playmaker in January.
It is believed although promising progress has been made by the Red Devils following their disastrous start to the campaign that saw them endure damaging defeats against Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag believes he lacks quality in midfield.
United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly sees De Jong as a potential difference-maker to his squad
Despite the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, both who have endured bright starts at the club, De Jong is seen as a different type of player by Ten Hag – and one he wants.
The report states that De Jong is viewed as someone who can improve United’s creativity and control within games – a point that Ten Hag believes is necessary if the club are going to compete for titles again.
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