Fabrizio Romano names Man Utd back-up options if Frenkie de Jong transfer fails

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has named Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves as two potential alternatives for Manchester United if their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong fails.

The Red Devils are in the hunt for more signings under new boss Erik ten Hag.

He is keen to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad and it is no secret that he has been trying to reunite with former Ajax midfielder De Jong at Old Trafford this summer.

However, speaking on the Wondergoal Podcast, Romano has mentioned two back-up options for the Premier League giants.

Youri Tielemans

Romano said: “Tielemans is still waiting for Arsenal but his agents have had conversations with Man Utd a few months ago.

“Man United always had this player on their radar,” he added. “It is a very good opportunity because he’s out of contract with Leicester next summer. So this is an interesting opportunity for many clubs, discussing about the fee and the budget.”

“We know how important it is to mention the budgets for Man United as they spent big money on a player like Lisandro [Martinez] and they signed [Tyrell] Malacia and [Christian] Eriksen on a free. So, the budget is something that is really important.”

Tielemans, 25, has been a key player for Leicester since joining them back in 2019 from Monaco.

He has made 158 appearances for the Foxes and has chipped in with 24 goals, one of which was the winner in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in 2021.

The Belgium international only has a year left on his contract though and his long-term future at the King Power Stadium is up the air at the moment.

Ruben Neves

Romano has also mentioned the Wolves ace as another possible target for United.

“Ruben Neves is a player that they always had in their list but it depends on the price because if Wolves are asking for €100m for Ruben Neves as they did a few weeks ago, or months ago, they’re certain that Man United are not going to pay,” he said.

“It depends on the opportunities but today it is still Frenkie, Frenkie, Frenkie.”

Neves, who like Tielemans, is 2 and is preparing for his sixth straight season at Molinuex.

He moved to the Midlands back in 2017 and has been Wolves’ key man in the heart of midfield since then, playing a key role in their promotion from the Championship in his first year.