Transfer Talk: Ten Hag wants De Jong reunion at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag wants to make Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong one of his first signings as Manchester United boss — and will offer Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles to get a deal done.

The incoming manager is set to conduct a major overhaul of the Red Devils squad when he arrives this summer and midfield will be a key area of improvement.

Dutch international De Jong, 24, was one of the stars of Ten Hag’s Ajax team that memorably reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

And reports in Spain say the 52-year-old is keen for a reunion as he looks to quickly implement his coaching philosophy at Old Trafford.

But they know prising him away from the Blaugrana will be difficult, with the Catalan outfit unwilling to discuss a fee any lower than the £65million they paid for him in the summer of 2019.

That makes a part-exchange deal more likely, where United could take advantage of Barca’s interest in Rashford in order to land their man.

The England international, 24, has seen his career stagnate this season and could be offloaded as part of Ten Hag’s summer rebuild.

It is said that both Rashford and out-of-favour left-back Telles will be offered to Xavi’s men in an attempt to strike an agreement.

In other news

Injured midfielder Paul Pogba appears to have played his final game for United, with the Mirror claiming the Frenchman has left the team’s WhatsApp group.

The Guardian say Real Madrid are close to agreeing a deal to land Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer after the German’s impending departure from Stamford Bridge was confirmed.

Manchester City are considering a move for United and Chelsea target Declan Rice but are wary of another drawn-out saga similar to last summer’s pursuit of Harry Kane, according to the Telegraph.