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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly made a three-man midfield shortlist ready for the summer transfer window.
Last summer, Frenkie de Jong was top of that shortlist as the manager remained determined to sign him.
However, the Dutch international was clear to everyone involved that he wanted to stay at Barcelona despite the club wanting to sell him.
It seems as though he is still of interest to the club and another transfer battle could commence this summer.
The Mirror are now reporting on that he is one of three midfielders that Erik ten Hag is interested in and has added to the shortlist.
Last summer, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro joined the club and have partnered nicely up until the Danish international’s injury.
Since then, it has been a midfield full of change, with Casemiro suffering from suspension and Fred, Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer battling it out for the other position in the pivot.
The article cites The Daily Mail in reporting that De Jong, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are all on the transfer targets list at Man United.
Ten Hag will no doubt be focusing on the midfield again in the summer as he looks to find his ideal target. Yesterday’s abysmal performance against Newcastle highlighted the need for reinforcements in that area.
Whether that is De Jong, who has always been preferred by Ten Hag, or the other two in question, remains yet to be seen. It is even possible that under new ownership, more than one of the three could be acquired.
However, any one of three will have the potential to fill out that role in the pivot the manager has been crying out for.
Bellingham and Rice are set to be in high-demand this summer as it is expected that they will move, with top clubs around the Premier League and Europe showing an interest.
Real Madrid highly rate the Dortmund midfielder and could be about to bid for the young England international soon.
It is unlikely that any of the three midfielders will come cheap, with all clubs wanting to keep them beyond this season.
Some funds could be raised by United selling Scott McTominay this summer, with Newcastle showing huge interest in the Scottish international.
