Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag knows he must resist Frenkie de Jong temptation

Manchester United's transfer saga of last summer revolved around Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder was a key target for Erik ten Hag as he looked to rebuild United's squad. However, confusion reigned as the Reds were passed from pillar to post.

One week he was not for sale, the next Barca were open to offers. Eventually, the deal collapsed with De Jong remaining at Camp Nou as they won La Liga.

In December, MEN Sport reported how Ten Hag was not against targeting the midfielder again but this weekend Xavi issued what appeared to be a final hands off warning.

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He told Movistar Plus : "I need two signings in midfield. I lack an interior and with [Sergio] Busquets’ departure, we also need a pivot. This has to be the priority.

"He’s (De Jong) our most chaotic player within the order. He has some impressive virtues. He’s a huge player. We have found the ideal position for him. He only needs the final pass, to dare more."

If this message was aimed at United, Xavi need not have bothered. Ten Hag has learnt his lesson not to get involved in another transfer saga over De Jong. The Manchester Evening News understands Chelsea's Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with the club. While a fee has not yet been agreed, United are confident they will complete the deal.

Unlike De Jong, Mount looks to has been clear about his intentions to leave Chelsea in pursuit of a new challenge. While he may have dodged the question when ambushed at the Barcelona Grand Prix, the England international's lack of comforting words for the Blues' fans about his future spoke volumes.

United's summer transfer window could have been derailed by their pursuit of De Jong. While they just about