"Could be a good foil for De Jong" - Journalist drops big verdict on £30m Man United target

Manchester United target Ibrahim Sangare ‘could be a good foil’ for Frenkie de Jong, should they both make the switch to Old Trafford, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The duo have both been heavily linked with moves to United this summer and could form a new-look midfield under the guise of former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

United have improved their defensive options with the captures of Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez, while Christian Eriksen’s arrival on a free transfer has bolstered their resources in attack.

Ten Hag is now expected to focus his attention on the midfield, and Barcelona’s De Jong is known to be his number one target.

However, negotiations over a potential deal appear to have reached an impasse despite the two clubs agreeing on a €75 million (£63.6) deal plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons.

De Jong was recently included in Barca’s pre-season tour of the United States, indicating that a conclusion to the protracted talks are not yet in sight and that the speculation is set to continue for a while longer still.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports reported back in June that United were ‘interested’ in snapping up Sangare from PSV Eindhoven, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle also listed as potential suitors.

Sangare is believed to have a €35 million (£29.9m) release clause written into his contract, and O’Rourke reckons he has the ability to provide the perfect balance alongside De Jong.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He looks like he could be a good foil for De Jong.

“Sangare is the typical defensive midfielder, box-to-box, likes to make tackles and get about the pitch and would also add some legs into that Manchester United engine room as well.

“And Ten Hag will know all about him from his time