Latest developments
- Manchester United are targeting Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.
- The Catalan side valued him at £51 million in the summer.
- The Dutchman's relationship with Barcelona is said to be fraying.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): No secret de Jong wants out
Man Utd are looking to strengthen Ruben Amorim's midfield with the signing of Frenkie de Jong, though they face competition from several other interested parties.
Footballfancast.com are reporting this story which broke on Spanish site mundodeportivo.com. There seems little in terms of a recent concrete link between de Jong and United, but the Dutchman has been linked with the Red Devils many time before, and made it clear that he wants a move away.
Value (3.5/5): Close to valuation
Back in the summer, last time United were said to be interested, Barcelona valued de Jong at £51 million, a fair price given that his current market value is £49.5 million.
With 18 months left on his contract, Barcelona are running out of time to get a decent price for the 27-year-old – good news for United, provided they don't get caught in a bidding war.
Suitability (4/5): At home in any system
A centre-midfielder who slot drop back into a more defensive role, there is no playing style that doesn't suit a midfield general like de Jong.
He lacks experience in England, but having gone through the last through years at the Camp Nou, he will be well-versed in playing for a European giant going through turbulent times.
Upgrade? (4/5): United need reinforcements
There are many weak spots in the squad Ruben Amorim has inherited, and DM/CM is certainly one of them, with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo the only options other than the aging Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
All four are superb on their day, but those days come far too infrequently. In de Jong, United would be getting a reliable, regular performer.
Logic (3.5/5): A good time to move on
Frustrated with the Barcelona hierarchy, de Jong wants out of the club he joined five years ago, and clubs of United's stature will surely be on his radar, but so will Liverpool, another interested club, who can offer a Premier League and UEFA Champions League title challenge, unlike their great rivals.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
If United were interested before, then it wouldn't be a surprise for them to be interested now, especially with de Jong itching to move on. But Liverpool might be the main aim, especially now the chance to join his old boss, Erik ten Hag, has come and gone.
