Manchester United could be handed an unexpected boost in the pursuit of primary target Frenkie de Jong.
Throughout the summer transfer window, it was reported that Erik ten Hag wanted the Dutch international.
It was a huge saga that resulted in nothing after the 25 year old decided to stay at Barcelona, but the rumours have not quietened with it fully expected that the club will go in for him again next summer.
Erik ten Hag has highlighted the world-class midfielder as a would-be key component of the squad he is trying to build.
However, Christian Eriksen’s arrival proved to be a brilliant coup on a free transfer and he has to some extent fulfilled the role earmarked for the Dutchman.
A recent article from The Manchester Evening News explores what could be a huge boost for Ten Hag in the hunt for the midfielder who he knows from his days at Ajax.
The outlet quotes The Mirror, who report that Ruben Neves is of interest to Barcelona as they look to reform their midfield around Pedri and Gavi.
This is expected to increase the chances of De Jong leaving the Spanish giants as it will push him further down the pecking order.
It took a while for the midfielder to get going this season after being benched throughout the entirety of pre-season with only susbtitute appearances granted to him, sometimes even playing at centre back.
When La Liga started he still couldn’t make it into the starting eleven until a couple of matches in.
De Jong still finds himself being the midfielder who is rotated with Sergio Busquets, who has entered the final year of his contract.
United will have to wait until after the World Cup to see what will happen to the midfield options at Barcelona.
And while a January move might be possible, it is more likely that it will be in the summer when Ten Hag will be able to chase De Jong once more.
