Man Utd is not giving up on the idea of taking Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford

Frenkie de Jong is aiming to stay at Camp Nou but Manchester United have not given up hope of convincing him to switch to Old Trafford.

Why do red devils need Frenkie de Jong?

The Red Devils are gearing up for a protracted pursuit of the Dutch player this summer and have not given up on taking him to Old Trafford. The Barcelona player is a leading target for the new head coach, who are aiming to make five signings in his first transfer window at the club. The Dutchman is greatly admired at the club – and has been watched extensively during his time at Barca and Ajax.

New manager Erik ten Hag sees De Jong as part of a redevelopment of the center after Pogba’s departure. But Frenkie, who has worked with his fellow Dutchman at Ajax, will have to be convinced before he agrees to a move to Old Trafford with sources arguing that the stars will have to align to make a deal.

There is information that Barça are ready to listen to offers around the €60 million mark. But the main stumbling block seems to be the player’s willingness to leave after three years at the Camp Nou. Erik knows he needs at least one new central midfielder this summer with Matic also set to depart.

Who else can move to Man Utd?

Erik and football director John Murtough discussed goals during a transfer summit in Amsterdam last month. Along with Frenkie, Leeds-based Phillips is another admired player and Declan Rice is of long-term interest. United, however, are unwilling to meet a £150m West Ham valuation – and sources close to the England international are not expecting an Old Trafford approach at that price.

Meanwhile, Man Utd is aware that they are being used as leverage in N’Golo Kante’s contract negotiations with the Blues. They are long term fans of the French player and have been linked to the move in recent weeks. N’Golo fits the style profile of the player that Erik wants – but 31 years of age and an injury record would be issues.

The Frenchman enters the final year of his contract in blue and is subject to negotiations on a new deal. The demanded interest from the United could therefore be used as a way of obtaining concessions in the negotiations.