Frenkie de Jong not first name on Erik ten Hag's transfer list as deal "a matter of time"

Ajax winger Antony is reportedly Erik ten Hag's number one target at Manchester United... not Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The new manager is expected to make several signings this summer after the Red Devils endured a dismal campaign. They finished sixth in the Premier League - recording their lowest points total since 1989-90 (58) and haven't won a trophy since May 2017.

United have already said goodbye to several players since the 2021-22 campaign concluded - including Paul Pogba, Lee Grant, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata. Phil Jones and Nemanja Matic are among those expected to depart in the coming weeks.

Many believe De Jong will be Ten Hag's first signing at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old helped the Dutchman's Ajax side win the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup in 2018-19 - as well as reach the semi-finals of the Champions League - before joining Barcelona in July 2019.

De Jong has been an ever-present fixture in Barcelona's midfield since leaving Ajax, yet it's believed they are willing to let him leave the club this summer. The Catalan giants remain in financial trouble after confirming debts of more than £1billion in 2021.

De Jong's sale will go someway to easing that financial burden, and a number of young central midfielders have emerged from Barcelona's famous La Masia academy in recent years - including Riqui Puig, Nico Gonzalez, Gavi and Golden Boy winner Pedri.

United's opening offer of £60million for De Jong was rejected by Barcelona, although they are expected to table another bid shortly. The 42-cap international's trademark No21 shirt is available at Old Trafford following the departure of ex-holder Cavani.

Although the De Jong deal is progressing, journalist Jorge Nicola