Man United Identify 2 Premier League Midfielders They Will Sign if Frenkie De Jong Transfer Collapses

Man United Identify 2 Premier League Midfielders They Will Sign if Frenkie De Jong Transfer Collapses

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Manchester United are exploring possible options should they fail to land Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona
  • De Jong has been a top transfer target for the Red Devils, with the club desperate to reinforce their midfield ahead of next season
  • However, the transfer is facing the prospect of falling through, leaving United with no choice but to enter the market for alternatives

Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted two Premier League midfielders they will pursue should the pursuit of Frenkie de Jong collapse.

United had placed De Jong top of their summer transfer wishlist and were keen to reunite the Barcelona midfielder with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona, Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves, Camp Nou, Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag.
Frenkie de Jong looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and FC Barcelona at Football Arena Munich. Photo by Alexander Hassenstein.
Source: Getty Images

The Red Devils are desperate to strengthen their midfield, especially after the departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.

According to the Daily Mail, it had seemed that De Jong was almost certain to join the Red Devils, but recent developments have made the transfer less likely.

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Problems are said to have emerged after it was revealed that Barcelona owes the midfielder around £17million in deferred wages.

Man United want Ruben Neves, Youri Tielemans as De Jong alternative

With the transfer of De Jong threatening to fall through, reports suggest that United have shortlisted Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans as the Dutchman alternative.

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims that the Premier League duo form part of the Red Devils' contingency plan should they not land De Jong.

“I know Manchester United have a back-up list. Youri Tielemans is on that list, as I understand it, as is Ruben Neves from Wolves," Crook said.

Should United pursue Tielemans, they will have to contend with competition from rivals Arsenal who have also been linked with a move for the Belgian.

Neves, meanwhile, has been on United's radar for some time now and could be available for around £50m.

Man United close to signing ex-Lazio keeper

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester United have emerged favourites to sign former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

The Red Devils are in the market for a backup goalkeeper following the departure of Dean Henderson.

Reports now suggest that the Red Devils are closing in on a deal for Strakosha, with the Albania international set to move to Old Trafford on a free transfer.

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Fred Kennedy
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Erik Ten HaagOld TraffordTransfers