Erik ten Hag obsession continues with ‘contact made’ as Man Utd won’t let go in pursuit of Barcelona star

Manchester United are still keen to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong this summer despite his reluctance to leave, according to a report in Spain.

Red Devils chief Erik ten Hag is a long-time admirer of the midfielder, having worked with him while the pair were at Ajax together. De Jong left Amsterdam for Barca in the summer of 2019, with the Catalans paying in the region of €75m for his signature. The Netherlands international has gone on to become a workhorse of the Barca midfield, making 131 LaLiga appearances in four seasons at the club.

He has been seen 183 times in all competitions, scoring 15 goals. And United have made no secret of their desire to bring him to Old Trafford.

They tried to sign him last summer while there was also talk of a possible winter swoop.

Nothing materialised as it emerged that the 26-year-old wanted to remain at the Nou Camp and play under Xavi.

The Dutchman recently confessed that United spoke with Barcelona last summer and he could have been sold.

And it seems as though the Spanish giants were prepared to sell him to help ease their financial woes.

However, De Jong’s insistence that he wants to remain at Barca for as long as they want him convinced them to keep him on board.

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And now, journalist Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo has revealed that United are still eager to land De Jong.

The Spanish outlet claims the north-west giants have, once again, made contact as Ten Hag is ‘obsessed’ with the player.

Xavi deal seems as distant as ever

There is no question that Ten Hag has improved Manchester United since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams.

A third-placed finish sees them back in the Champions League. And the Dutch tactician is hoping to shape a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite.

He has already secured the services of Mason Mount for £55m. The England midfielder arrived from Chelsea to bolster the club’s attacking ranks.

There is talk of other big-name stars being targeted, with a striker top of the club’s priorities.

But it appears as though the boss wants another midfielder in his ranks before the start of 2023-2024.

Whether that is De Jong only time will tell but it seems unlikely they will get their man.

One again, the man with 52 Oranje caps has expressed a desire to continue working under Xavi.

And it is open to debate as to why he would want to leave a club that has just won yet another Spanish top-flight title.

United having Ten Hag in the dugout will certainly boost their chances of landing the talented schemer.

They may be looking to move Fred on and will need another central midfielder to fill the Brazilian’s boots.

He was an able deputy for Casemiro last term and could be on his way to Galatasaray.

Manchester City are also said to be interested in De Jong.

And, of the two Manchester clubs, the Citizens would appear a more attractive proposition after completing a superb treble.

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