Manchester City have distanced themselves from a move for Frenkie de Jong, though Manchester United are facing an ‘uphill battle’ to convince the Barcelona midfielder to move to Old Trafford.
De Jong has been linked with a move to the Premier League as Barcelona look to fund their summer business, with both Manchester sides credited as admirers of the 25-year-old.
United have been strongly credited with an interest ever since the announcement of Erik ten Hag as the club’s next permanent manager, with De Jong having impressed under the guidance of the Dutchman at Ajax before his move to Spain.
Reports in Spain have boldly suggested that a move to United is a 95 percent probability, though the Telegraph are reporting that the Red Devils face a battle to convince De Jong to reunite with Ten Hag in the Premier League, however, with the midfielder’s preference being to remain at the Camp Nou.
Should he be forced out with Barcelona looking to raise transfer funds, the 25-year-old would prefer to move to a side with Champions League football – something United can not offer next season.
Barcelona are said looking for a fee in the region of €75m for the Netherlands international, who is viewed as an ideal fit for Ten Hag’s midfield.
United are set to lose Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba from their options this summer, whilst both Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata will also leave on free transfers.
City were interested in signing De Jong before his move to Barcelona, but have ‘distanced’ themselves from a deal despite the need to sign a replacement for Fernandinho.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also previously been credited with an interest in the midfielder.
