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Manchester United have reportedly no interest in resurrecting a move for Frenkie de Jong.
New part-owners Ineos have made finding a partner for Kobbie Mainoo a priority after strengthening the defence and attack earlier in the window.
Manuel Ugarte is seen as the club’s main priority as they are locked in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal.
The Red Devils do have other options though and one name that has been repeated consistently over the last three transfer windows is Frenkie de Jong.
United famously agreed a fee with FC Barcelona in 2022 only for the player to reject a move.
It has been reported from Spain and the Netherlands that United have unsuccessfully offered Antony in exchange and also €50 million for the Dutchman as they are working on signing the former Ajax man.
Nonetheless, the British press have generally taken a different stand on a potential transfer and The Metro definitively report that “Manchester United have no plans to revive a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong before the transfer window shuts.”
Whilst it is made clear that Ten Hag does want a new midfielder after the departure of Sofyan Amrabat, this won’t be in the shape of De Jong.
“With Barcelona still struggling to balance the books”, United had been linked to Ten Hag’s former pupil but “Metro Sport understands United are pursuing other options.”
Those other options are said to be Sander Berge and Sofyan Amrabat should they not be able to find an agreement with PSG over Ugarte.
While United have certainly gone after Dutch players and coaches this summer, not making a move for De Jong would make sense.
His huge wages to the tune of €721,154 a week would completely destroy the wage structure at the club that new part owners Ineos are trying to re-balance after years of the previous regime overpaying for players.
In addition, the new ownership have also spoken about how they want to recruit footballers who see United as a step up and who are hungry to succeed at the club, and it is rather doubtful De Jong would fit into this category considering his previous views on joining the club.
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