Erik ten Hag can give Frenkie de Jong dream shirt number at Manchester United

Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for top Erik ten Hag target Frenkie de Jong.

The club have been chasing the Dutchman for nearly two months now, as they try to restock their midfielder following the exits of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard. The Manchester Evening News understands a deal in principle has been agreed with Barcelona.

Despite reports that Chelsea may make a late move for him, De Jong looks United-bound and will be able to take up his dream shirt should he arrive at Old Trafford. The Netherlands international wore a variety of jerseys during his youth years.

READ MORE:Barcelona preparing for Frenkie de Jong Manchester United transfer as they reassure targets

For Ajax under-21s he wore the numbers six, eight, 10, 17 and 18. At Willem II he donned the numbers 24, 27 and 43 for the first team.

However, throughout his senior career, it has been clear which number he has preferred. In the Ajax first team and at Barcelona, he opted for the No.21.

Upon signing for the Spanish giants in 2019, De Jong explained why he chose the jersey. "I feel comfortable with that number,” he said.

"I brought my whole family to my presentation in Barcelona, except my grandfather, Hans de Jong, my father's father. He died on the day of my 21st birthday. Unconsciously it is also a kind of tribute. He was a huge football fan."

Edinson Cavani vacated the United 21 jersey upon his exit this summer. He moved into the shirt after the Premier League gave United special dispensation to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to adopt the iconic No.7 during the season amid his August arrival.

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