Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong may have already made up his mind about moving to Manchester United, due to his desire to play with Donny van de Beek.
When United are linked with a new signing, Manchester City are rarely far away, with the two rivals usually battling to sign similar talent. In recent history United have edged them, winning the race for Harry Maguire, Alexis Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo, although only the latter has really proved to be a success.
And City could attempt to hijack United's approach of De Jong too, with their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips moving slowly. However, in 2019 De Jong commented on the positives of having Van de Beek as a team-mate, meaning a move to Old Trafford could hinge on his former partner.
De Jong and Van de Beek made up solid partnership in a brilliant squad put together by Erik ten Hag at Ajax, before the team was ripped apart in the transfer window. Ajax made the Champions League semi-final in 2019, but that summer De Jong was one of many stars who secured big moves away.
Van de Beek joined United in 2020, although it has so far been an unsuccessful move, and Hakim Ziyech joined him in England, while former Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt went to Juventus. But reports have intensified that Ten Hag could reunite Van de Beek and De Jong at Old Trafford, in a bid to end United's recent demise.
And according to De Jong's comments about Van de Beek in 2019. it appears that he may be happy to join his former team-mate. Van de Beek was initially linked with a move to Real Madrid before joining United, and De Jong admitted that he wouldn't like to have him as a rival.
And this would be the same if De Jong was to join City, who could attempt a late hijack. De Jong said to ESPN: "I would prefer him to stay at Ajax because I wouldn't have him as an opponent and Ajax would stay strong.
"But, no, of course, when it's all settled, and if he moves to Madrid, I am really happy for him. I think he deserves it. He's a great player. Then I will go see him in Spain!
"...I am pretty sure he has the ability. I think he showed it last season in the Champions League, especially in the knockout rounds. I think he has shown to the world and everyone in Europe he has the ability to play at that level."
City need a new holding midfielder at some point in the very near future, with Fernandinho gone and Ilkay Gundogan with only a year left on his deal. When De Jong joined Barcelona, City were already linked with the star, but it feels a like it's a better fit now than it did in 2019.
But City may also be onto pastures new, as although De Jong has impressed in Barcelona, it's rare that the champions go back in for a player they've essentially passed up. And judging by United's recent track record when it comes to signing players, perhaps it's a sign to avoid at all costs.
City's business has revolved around forwards to far this window, with Erling Haaland being brought in from Borussia Dortmund. But a midfielder will be required at some point, and it will forever be a crucial position in Pep Guardiola's system.
