Ten Hag reignites blockbuster Man Utd swoop for world-class star who will leave Spain if key demand is met

Erik ten Hag has put Manchester United back on the trail of a top-quality La Liga star, and reports claim he is willing to leave Spain on one condition.

Having already won the Carabao Cup in February, the treble is still on for Man Utd. On Thursday they will face Spanish side Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final second leg, after drawing the first leg 2-2. A Marcel Sabitzer brace put the Red Devils in a dominant position, but own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire handed Sevilla a route back into the tie.

The Red Devils will also face Brighton at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

It would be a brilliant achievement if Man Utd could add at least one more trophy to their illustrious honours list. Such a triumph would round off a successful first campaign for Ten Hag at Man Utd.

But the Dutchman ultimately wants to get his side competing at the top level with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. And some big captures will be required this summer if Man Utd are to do that.

Ten Hag is eyeing some big-name strikers, including Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen. But he also wants a world-class midfielder to join.

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And according to ESPN, Frenkie de Jong is back on Ten Hag and Man Utd’s transfer shortlist.

ESPN’s report mainly focuses on David de Gea’s new contract at Man Utd, which is close to being agreed. But it also reveals that Ten Hag has rekindled his interest in De Jong.

Man Utd back on the hunt for top target

Man Utd reached an agreement with Barcelona over the 25-year-old’s prospective transfer last summer. But he did not want to leave Barca and therefore refused to enter contract discussions with Man Utd.

But things could be different this time around. As per Forbes, who cite reports emerging from Spain, De Jong has decided he is willing to leave Barca this summer for a team that can challenge the biggest sides in the Champions League.

Clearly, Man Utd are not at that level right now. However, that could change if they manage to snare an unstoppable striker such as Kane or Osimhen. This could in turn convince De Jong that Man Utd are the correct next club for him.

It must be noted that Man Utd have one serious transfer rival as they look to snare De Jong from Barca. Currently, he views Paris Saint-Germain as his next destination.

The Ligue 1 outfit are set for a summer of change, with Lionel Messi potentially heading back to Barca and Kylian Mbappe set to be pursued once again by Real Madrid. If those two attackers leave, this would free up space on the wage bill for PSG to bring in some top new talent. And De Jong is one player they are looking at, with France striker Marcus Thuram another target.

It would be very hard for Man Utd to beat PSG to De Jong’s services. After all, PSG have more money at their disposal and boast a better recent record in the UCL. One factor that may work in Man Utd’s favour though is Ten Hag’s relationship with the player.

They are Netherlands compatriots and worked together at Ajax. De Jong still has great respect for his former manager and could therefore be tempted by a reunion.

After dominating the headlines in the 2022 summer window, it seems De Jong could do so again later this year as Man Utd and PSG tussle for his services.

Meanwhile, Man Utd and Arsenal will struggle to land a top Serie A forward as he closes in on a new contract with his current team.