Erik ten Hag's secret phone call to Frenkie de Jong that led him to empty Barcelona locker

New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s secret phone call to Frenkie de Jong helped convince the Barcelona midfielder over a summer transfer switch to Old Trafford.

Former Ajax star De Jong is a top transfer priority for Ten Hag and there has been a phone call between the two already held in which the coach outlined the role the player would enjoy under him, as part of a charm offensive to land the player. Reports on Saturday outline how the midfielder has already cleared out his locker at Barca with a move appearing to edge closer.

De Jong is said to have been assured by the new United boss over the call that the entire team would revolve around him and that he would be the major reference point in midfield. He would be the ‘conductor of the orchestra’ and would be an undisputed starter under Ten Hag – a similar role which he enjoyed so much at Ajax.

Central midfield is an area in which United need to bolster their options ahead of several key departures this term. De Jong was immediately identified as the leading candidate for the club in the position and the Dutchman is at the top of United's shortlist of summer transfer targets.

De Jong was central to Ten Hag’s early successes at Ajax and was the heartbeat of the midfield that led them to within a minute of reaching the Champions League final in 2019. A move to United would also reunite the Dutch ace with his fellow midfielder Donny van de Beek, who also played a big role for the Amsterdam-based side that campaign.

Van de Beek is one of only a few senior midfielders remaining at Old Trafford, alongside Fred and Scott McTominay in the current ranks although Andreas Pereira – who is likely to be sold permanently this summer - and James Garner are both