Manchester United could get an unexpected boost in pursuit of the main target, Frenkie de Jong.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it was reported that Erik ten Hag wanted the Dutch international.
It was a great saga that came to nothing after the 25-year-old decided to stay at Barcelona, ​​but the rumors have not died down and the club is expected to bet on him again next summer.
Erik ten Hag has singled out the world-class midfielder as a possible key component of the team he is trying to build.
However, the arrival of Christian Eriksen turned out to be a brilliant coup on a free transfer and has, to some extent, fulfilled the Dutchman’s intended role.
A recent article from The Manchester Evening News explores what could be a big boost for Ten Hag in his search for the midfielder he knows from his Ajax days.
The outlet quotes The Mirror who report that Ruben Neves is of interest to Barcelona as they look to reshape their midfield around Pedri and Gavi.
This is expected to increase the chances of De Jong leaving the Spanish giants as it will push him further down the pecking order.
It took the midfielder a while to get going this season after being benched for the entire pre-season and only being granted substitute appearances, sometimes even playing as a centre-back.
When LaLiga started, he still could not enter the starting eleven until after a couple of days.
De Jong still finds himself the rotating midfielder with Sergio Busquets, who has entered the final year of his contract.
United will have to wait until after the World Cup to see what will happen to Barcelona’s midfield options.
And while a January move might be possible, it’s more likely to be in the summer when Ten Hag can go after de Jong once again.
