Euro Paper Talk: Ten Hag tipped to inspire £59m Man Utd deal and expose stark truth

Man Utd still have a chance of a major signing this summer thanks to Erik ten Hag, while Newcastle want a goal-hungry defender – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

MAN UTD EYE FRENKIE DE JONG

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Frenkie de Jong and Erik ten Hag arriving as manager increases the possibility of a deal, according to reports.

United announced details of their upcoming new chapter last Thursday. Ten Hag is set for a rebuild at Old Trafford as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Reports have claimed that a new midfielder is among the Dutchman’s immediate top priorities. Indeed, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba are both leaving this summer alongside Jesse Lingard.

And according to Sport, United have long had Barcelona’s former Ajax star De Jong on their radar. What’s more, the arrival of Ten Hag – who got the best out of the midfielder at Ajax – will reportedly benefit Man Utd.

De Jong earned a big-money move to Barca in 2019 following his rise to stardom at Ajax. And he has continued to perform, particularly under current boss Xavi.

According to Spanish journalist Oriol Domenech, though, Barca would be willing to sell him for £59million this summer.

“The only option for Frenkie de Jong to leave Barca is to return to the orders of Erik ten Hag and, in addition, to a great team,” Domenich told Catalunya Radio. “It is said that Xavi wants him, but if United comes with €70m, Barca will try to convince the player to leave.

“Barca need to make a big transfer this season and there aren’t many players for whom you can make a big sale. The only Barca player who can leave a lot of money at the club is Frenkie de Jong.”

Erik Ten Hag wants Frenkie de Jong at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag wants to sign Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona

The report contradicts the latest comments from Barca chiefs over the 24-year-old’s future.

Xavi insisted that he wants De Jong to stay and that he can become “one of the best midfielders in the world” at Camp Nou.

Barcelona advisor Jordi Cruyff, meanwhile, added that De Jong is a “highly-valued” player at the club who must stay.

De Jong has played 43 games this season, directly contributing to nine goals in all competitions.

AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Newcastle are monitoring a potential deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, who has scored four goals and assisted four others this season. (Bild)

Paulo Dybala has received interest from Tottenham amid his decision to leave Juventus in the summer. However, the Argentine is carefully considering all his proposals. (Alfredo Pedulla)

Ilkay Gundogan has admitted that Manchester City’s Premier League title race with Liverpool is “nerve-wracking”. Still, the German backed City to edge the Reds out. (Sport1)

AC Milan share a strong working relationship with Jorge Mendes, following the super-agent’s acquisition of Real Madrid star Marco Asensio as a client. (Calciomercato)

Isco could also leave Madrid this summer and Real Betis are pushing hard to keep him in La Liga. (Marca)

ANTONIO RUDIGER TO REAL MADRID

Antonio Rudiger is edging closer to a move to Real Madrid after deciding to leave Chelsea at the end of the season. (Gianluca di Marzio)

The German had become frustrated at Chelsea’s wait for their takeover so decided to leave. Madrid subsequently plan to wrap up talks with him in the next week. (Goal)

Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany has confirmed talks with Rudiger’s agent but played down his club’s chances of a swoop. (Movistar)

Harry Wilson has revealed that he has signed a permanent deal with Fulham following his Liverpool departure on an initial loan with an obligation to buy last summer. (Goal)

Romelu Lukaku will have to accept a pay cut of at least €7million (£5.9million) if he wants to rejoin Inter from Chelsea this summer. (Calciomercato)

EURO PAPER TALK – WEST HAM EYE DOUBLE DEAL

West Ham and Atalanta are keen on signing Torino striker Andre Belotti. (Rudy Galetti)

The Hammers are also going after Fiorentina goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski alongside Southampton. (Calciomercato)

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone wants to sign fellow Argentine Lautaro Martinez from Inter. (Mundo Deportivo)

Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos has revealed a desire to stay at the French giants until he retires. (Canal Football Club)

However, Kylian Mbappe’s future at the Parc des Princes is much more uncertain and PSG sporting director Leonardo has said that the striker is in “deep reflection”. (L’Equipe)