Manchester United ‘consider’ Europa League winner, Barcelona ‘want to keep’ Red Devils target

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their defensive ranks with the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Dicka, according to reports.

The 22-year-old was a key part of the Frankfurt side that made their way to the Europa League Final and lifted the trophy with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Glasgow Rangers earlier this week.

Dicka has been in fine form throughout the season with four goals and four assists in 44 appearances in all competitions as his side ended their Bundesliga campaign in 11th place.

Incoming Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is expected to conduct an overhaul of his defensive options with the likes of Phil Jones and Eric Bailly likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.

United are believed to have dispatched scouts to watch Ndicka in recent weeks and French journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed their interest and revealed Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the defender.

However, he also suggested Ndicka has other options with Monaco considering him as a replacement for Benoit Badiashile.

Intriguingly , the possibility of the defender remaining at Frankfurt as they prepare for Champions League football has also been stressed.

Barcelona could sell other players to keep Red Devils target

Spanish giants Barcelona are keen to retain the services of reported United target Frenkie de Jong.

Erik ten Hag is said to be keen on a reunion with his former Ajax midfielder and the Dutch international is said to be high on the list of priorities for the Old Trafford hierachy.

Barca are determined to keep de Jong as they prepare for their first full season working under club legend Xaxi, who is ready to offload a number of other players to allow the Dutchman to remain in La Liga.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested Barca believe the offer of Champions League football could keep de Jong at the Camp Nou.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Xavi wants to keep de Jong and de Jong wants to play the Champions League football and he will have this possibility with Barcelona next season.

“The financial situation, as Xavi mentioned, has to be considered. This is why everything depends on the price. Barcelona will only accept an important bid for the midfielder; €80-90 million euros and no less than this. Despite all this, Xavi is still hoping to keep the player.”

Romano also revealed there is no ‘official proposal’ from United but said their interest in the midfielder is ‘clear’.