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Manchester United are looking to develop their midfield further in phase two of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s squad rebuild.
The INEOS boos said that it could take three years to develop a squad able to consistently fight for trophies, with transfer window two of six in this plan just around the corner.
The first window saw United focus on their defence, signing Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro, with only Manuel Ugarte drafted in for the midfield and Joshua Zirkzee in attack.
United is experiencing several injuries in the middle of the pitch, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount both out for some time.
On top of this, captain Bruno Fernandes had to miss the Europa League match-up with Fenerbahce through suspension, relying on right-back Mazraoui to take on the number 10 role.
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Over recent times, there have been links to Crystal Palacae’s Eberechi Eze, former Red Devil Angel Gomes, and wonderkid Chris Rigg from Sunderland.
However, new reports have emerged giving United a boost for one of their other targets.
Manchester United receive a fresh boost for Frenkie de Jong
One of United’s long-term midfield targets has been Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
The club have been linked with the Dutchman since 2022 when they focused their summer transfer window on singing the tar, only to miss out and buy Casemiro instead.
Their interest in the star was renewed this summer, although de Jong pledged his future to the LaLiga side, saying: “Staying at Barca? Yes, I’m very happy in Barcelona with my family, for sure.”
He continued: “[Barcelona boss] Hansi Flick wants me to be key. I talked to him. It was good.”
However, new reports have given United a boost in their pursuit of him.
Fichajes has reported that the Catalan side have now put a price tag on the midfielder, valuing him at £58 million (€70 million) suggesting they’re open to a sale.
This is further encouraged by the financial pressures Barca find themselves in in order to meet Fair Play regulations. As such, the Spanish side may have to part ways with some major stars to comply with the regulations.
However, United will be up against the likes of PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munich who are all also interested in the star.
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