Exclusive:Manchester United approach Barcelona over possible Frenkie de Jong transfer

Manchester United have approached Barcelona over the possibility of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.

The midfielder has been a long-term transfer target for Erik ten Hag, who managed De Jong during his time at Ajax. Securing his signature dominated United’s transfer policy in the summer of 2022, but the pursuit was ultimately unsuccessful with the club forced into a late pivot to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid.

United’s interest in De Jong has never really subsided, although the complexities of completing a transfer and addressing issues elsewhere in the team have meant the Red Devils have not since pushed to sign the Dutch international.

This summer, adding to Ten Hag’s midfield options has been identified as one of the club’s priorities in the window, with Manuel Ugarte, Martin Zubimendi and Sofyan Amrabat remaining potential options. The latter spent last season on loan at Old Trafford and is still listed among the club’s first-team’s players on their website, leaving the door open for a possible summer return.

Talks over a deal to sign Ugarte have also stalled in recent days as United are reluctant to match Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price for the combative midfielder. As a result, other targets are being considered.

ManchesterWorld understands United have made a tentative approach to Barcelona in recent days to ascertain De Jong’s availability, with the Premier League side open to completing a deal if a fee around the £30m-£40m mark can be agreed. While it remains unclear whether Barcelona would be willing to sell the 27-year-old, manager Hansi Flick is believed to be keen on keeping De Jong this season.

United’s approach is not advanced and, although Ten Hag still feels he would be the perfect fit for his midfield, an offer may not be forthcoming.

Sander Berge, Richard Rios and Youssouf Fofana have also been linked as possible midfield targets this window, while United remain keen to sell Scott McTominay, Casemiro and Hannibal if they can find a buyer at the right price.

McTominay has attracted interest from Fulham and West Ham United, while Casemiro’s expected move to Saudi Arabia has failed to materialise so far this summer.