Lionel Messi has delivered his verdict on Frenkie de Jong amid Manchester United transfer interest

Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi has previously waxed lyrical about Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong, being quoted as describing him as a "very intelligent player."

As reported by the Manchester Evening News , United are understood to be weighing up a £75million bid for the Barcelona midfielder ahead of this summer's transfer window. Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is keen to put his own stamp of authority on his squad and De Jong is understood to be amongst his targets.

The duo worked together at Ajax before De Jong joined Barcelona in the summer of 2019. He played a key role in Ajax's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2018/19 and was instrumental in the success the Dutch giants initially enjoyed after Ten Hag took charge in December 2017.

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Therefore, it is easy to understand why Ten Hag would like to be reunited with the 25-year-old at Old Trafford. United are set to prioritise strengthening their midfield options this summer and De Jong is amongst their targets, despite him currently being a key part of Xavi's plans at Barcelona.

However, United are desperate to put themselves back on the road to success, meaning a player of De Jong's talents could be just what they are looking for. The central-midfielder is considered as one of the best midfield operators in European football and has no shortage of admirers, including Argentina international Messi.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner spent two seasons playing with De Jong at Barcelona ahead of joining PSG last year and made his feelings about the Dutchman known during private conversations with former Barcelona manager