Erik ten Hag ‘targets shock reunion with ex-Ajax ace Frenkie de Jong to solve Man Utd’s midfield woes as first transfer’
NEWLY appointed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly plotting a reunion with Frenkie de Jong at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old starred under Ten Hag at Ajax, before moving to Barcelona in the summer of 2019 in a blockbuster £76million deal.
The Barca man fits the bill perfectly, with the Red Devils in desperate need of midfield reinforcements.
Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave at the end of the campaign, while both Fred and Scott McTominay have struggled with injuries as of late.
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Barcelona boss Xavi had claimed in January that De Jong would be at the Nou Camp for "many years" to come.
And it's also understood the midfielder is currently happy at the club.
But Erik ten Hag's appointment at Manchester United plus Franck Kessie's impending arrival at Barca, could change that.
The Dutch international has been ever-present for Xavi this season, making 42 appearances in all competitions - registering four goals and providing five assists.
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And it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will be able to tempt his former player to the Premier League.
Reports suggest Ten Hag will be given a £200million war chest in his first transfer window in order to begin the rebuilding process at Old Trafford right away.
England internationals Harry Kane and Declan Rice are both said to be on United's transfer shortlist.
Elsewhere RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku is a target, while Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves are also being looked at.