Manchester United revive interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Frenkie de Jong is again a transfer target for Manchester United but, as the midfielder is currently content at Barcelona, whether he would countenance leaving remains in the balance.

De Jong was Erik ten Hag’s No 1 choice last summer to strengthen his squad but he did not wish to depart the Catalan club then. While Barça were prepared to sell due to financial constraints, the Dutchman refused to be sold and has since been a regular in Xavi’s team, making 32 appearances this term. It is understood the 25-year-old is not seeking a move at the moment though this could change in the close season.

While Ten Hag’s priority is signing a centre-forward in the summer window, the manager is also intent on bolstering his midfield department to provide competition for the first-choice Casemiro and Christian Eriksen and remains a firm admirer of De Jong’s.

Ten Hag’s budget, though, will be determined by United’s own finances, with the sale of a number of players required to balance the books and boost the 53-year-old’s war chest.