Reports are suggesting Ruben Neves could pave the way for Frenkie de Jong to make the move to Manchester United this summer.
Both midfielders have been linked with United ahead of the transfer window opening. De Jong in particular is of interest to the Reds, with the club having been in contact with Barcelona over his potential availability.
Incoming manager Erik ten Hag has identified the 25-year-old as an ideal target as United go in search of options in midfield this summer. The club have also made efforts in their pursuit of Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips.
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With United focusing their efforts on those two players, a move for Neves looks increasingly unlikely, although the Wolves midfielder could still play a big part in the Reds’ transfer activity. Reports claim that the 25-year-old is attracting interest from Barcelona, with Spanish outlet Sport suggesting the Catalan club see him as a successor to Sergio Busquets.
The report also claims that for the deal to work, de Jong will have to be sacrificed. Barca boss Xavi has already suggested the midfielder’s future is out of his hands, with the club potentially offloading a number of players due to their precarious financial standing.
That could well pave the way for United and Ten Hag to get their man. De Jong has reportedly informed Barcelona he wishes to stay at the club, although the decision may well be taken out of his hands.
Elsewhere, United are claimed to have held talks with Jurrien Timber over a possible move to Old Trafford. The 20-year-old is one of a number of Ajax stars touted to follow Ten Hag to United this summer.
Timber has impressed over the last couple of years in Amsterdam, leading to him winning the club’s ‘talent of the year’ award this season, with Ten Hag choosing the winner himself. It’s suggested the incoming United boss is keen to bring the Netherlands international with him to Manchester, and has reportedly already made efforts to secure his services.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg (via Sports Mole), Bayern Munich have made an enquiry for the defender, but have been told that he is in talks with United. The Reds are said to be ‘seriously interested’ in Timber, and have already entered discussions with his management team.
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