Manchester United could sign perfect Frenkie de Jong alternative thanks to Jorge Mendes

With just three more sleeps to go until the start of Manchester United's 2022/23 Premier League campaign, their hopes of parading a new midfielder on the opening day are fading fast.

United, despite continued discussions with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong, are yet to make the breakthrough they desperately crave in pursuit of a new central-midfielder that could make all the difference. De Jong's name has clogged up the United hashtag on Twitter since May and supporters, one way or another, want this particular saga brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.

If Chelsea have their way, that could be sooner rather than later — even if it means United are forced to go back to the drawing board. According to new reports, Chelsea are now in 'direct talks' with Barcelona about the prospect of luring the Dutchman to Stamford Bridge. A one-horse race has suddenly become two.

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While United's biggest asset in attempting to convince De Jong to move to Old Trafford is Erik ten Hag — a manager who the former Ajax star knows well — Chelsea have the pulling power of Champions League football. United can't match that particular part of the sales pitch.

So if Thomas Tuchel wins the De Jong race, or Barcelona manage to stand firmly enough and keep hold of the 25-year-old, United will have to look elsewhere. They cannot bring the curtain down on this window without the addition of a new central-midfielder. The ramifications would be huge.

Considering De Jong has been United's top target for almost three months, supporters are now beginning to pray that the club has a back-up plan if Plan A fails. As is often the case with a club of