Manchester United are 'open' to the idea of reigniting their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
The Lowdown: De Jong a long-time target
The Dutchman was constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford during and after last summer's transfer window as Erik ten Hag sought to add depth to his midfield.
De Jong ended up staying put at Barcelona for the time being, with United instead acquiring the services of both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, but it seems that a move for the 25-year-old is not dead in the water yet.
The Latest: Man United still 'open' to De Jong move
According to Luckhurst for Manchester Evening News, United remain interested in signing De Jong in the near future, having agreed a £74.5m fee for the Netherlands playmaker a few months ago.
He reported:
'Ten Hag is open to a second pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whom United agreed an €85m fee for in the summer.'
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The Verdict: He'd be a superb signing
De Jong is a fantastic player who has found some good form for Barcelona this season, enjoying a 90.7% pass completion rate (better than any United midfielder in 2022/23), scoring twice in La Liga and being called 'extraordinary' by his manager Xavi in the past.
While Ten Hag is nicely stocked in midfield at the moment, both Casemiro and Eriksen turn 31 this year, and the Netherlands international could be viewed as a long-term option, coming in and dictating matches with his technical quality.
De Jong is also hugely effective off the ball, which will surely appeal to the United manager, having averaged 2.4 tackles per game for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. That return would put him second in the Red Devils' squad for tackling.