Manchester United should consider Ruben Neves and five more Frenkie de Jong alternatives

The Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is showing no signs of ending. Manchester United are still hoping to sign the midfielder but he was named in Barcelona's squad for their pre-season tour - another twist in the seemingly never-ending transfer drama.

With De Jong the club’s top target for this summer, Erik ten Hag is keen on getting him through the door. But the star appears keen to stay in Catalonia and there is no guarantee he'll be at Old Trafford for the start of the season.

With that in mind, what does Ten Hag do about his midfield? MEN Sport considers some potential alternatives to De Jong that would improve the centre of the park.

Read more: United have a new midfield deadline to meet

Option 1 – James Ward-Prowse could bring his midfield prowess to United?

Southampton’s resident free-kick taker is admittedly a fairly attacking player. However, his defensive role at the Saints is not to be underestimated. He has played at St Mary’s for the last ten seasons and during those years he has been partners in midfield with players such as Oriol Romeu, Jordy Clasie, and many others. He could even play as a right back should United lose Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka to injury. Either way, he is a proven worker and can cover a lot of ground so would be a good fit for United.

Option 2 – A potential Youri Tielemans transfer?

This one seems unlikely, as the Belgian has been linked with Arsenal. However, if Ten Hag decides to go for him, he could be attainable. It would have to be done quickly though.

Option 3 – Neves to solve the midfield problem?

Ten Hag has not got Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves high up on his priority list. However, Neves certainly wouldn’t be a bad buy, as he is a proven attacking central