Man United Identify Barcelona Midfielder Who They Want to Replace Paul Pogba

• Manchester United have embarked on an elaborate plan to find a replacement for Paul Pogba
• The France international is set to depart the club this summer after six years at Old Trafford
• Reports suggest United have opened direct talks with Barca's Frenkie de Jong to move to the EPL
• De Jong, who played under Erik ten Hag during their time together at Ajax is expected to fill Pogba's void

The search for Paul Pogba's replacement at Manchester United has kicked off in earnest.

Pogba is set to depart United this summer after the expiry of his current contract with the Red Devils.

The development was confirmed by the Man United on Wednesday, June 1, with the club thanking the Frenchman for his service during his six-year stint at the Theatre of Dreams.

The World Cup-winning midfielder rejoined United from Juventus in the summer of 2016 for a then British record fee of £89 million.

Top 5 players Manchester United could sign for Erik ten Hag this summer

Football

However, his second spell with the Premier League giants has been underwhelming, with injuries and a dip in form hindering him from living up to his billing.

Man United identify Frenkie de Jong as a possible replacement for Pogba

The Guardian now reports Man United have wasted no time in their hunt for Pogba’s replacement.

The publication reports that the Manchester club have opened talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to fill Pogba's void.

The Netherlands international could be available for £72.4m, with Barcelona said to be open to selling him due to the club's difficult financial situation.

But talkSPORT claims the Dutchman would rather stay at Barca because of Champions League football which remains a priority for the player.

However, the Red Devils will hope his relationship with new manager Erik ten Hag will swing the tide in their favour.

Jurrien Timber unsure about Man United move

Blow to Manchester United: Frenkie De Jong hints at remaining at Barcelona

Football

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Jurrien Timber has poured cold water on the possibility of him dumping Ajax for a move to Manchester United.

United are believed to have shortlisted the Dutchman in their summer transfer wishlist as Erik ten Hag kicks off his reign at Old Trafford.

But according to Timber, he would rather continue his development at Ajax than gamble on his future with a move to a "big club."