Manchester United are still interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but may need to sacrifice a pursuit for another reported target, according to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney for The Independent.

The Lowdown: United miss out on De Jong

The Red Devils seemingly spent most of the summer transfer window eyeing up a move for the Dutchman, seeing him as their primary midfield target.

Instead, De Jong ended up staying put at Camp Nou, with Erik ten Hag managing to acquire the signatures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to bolster the midfield ranks at Old Trafford.

While United failed to get their man from Barcelona first time around, it looks as though such a transfer could still happen.

The Latest: United may face De Jong dilemma

According to Delaney for The Independent, United are still keen on bringing in De Jong, although they may have a decision to make as to whether they revive that particular pursuit or vie with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham.

The journalist shared a link to the article via Twitter, stating:

"United maintain contact with Barcelona on De Jong, but may face choice, based on Bellingham’s choice. Feeling in England is it’s United-Liverpool depending on how teams evolve - with City watching. Feeling in Germany is Madrid."

The Verdict: Ideal midfield target

De Jong is a fantastic midfielder who has been hailed as 'world class' by influencer Rafael Hernandez, so the idea of him in a United shirt is mouthwatering.

He could be an ideal foil for the more naturally defensive Casemiro, dictating midfield battles, dribbling in tight areas and creating with his passing brilliance.

Also, at 25, he is younger than Eriksen (30) and Bruno Fernandes (28), so he would represent more of a long-term option for the Red Devils.

De Jong's metronomic brilliance on the ball is outlined by a 92.5% pass completion rate across seven La Liga appearances this season, better than any midfielder at Old Trafford has managed; and if United are to miss out on Bellingham, the Barcelona man is the perfect alternative.