MX23RW : Thursday, May 16 07:41:07| >> :60:2006:2006:

Three midfielders Manchester United could target after Frenkie de Jong blow

Sports Mole looks at three midfielders that Manchester United could target this summer as their move for Frenkie de Jong stalls.

Manchester United's proposed deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has reportedly stalled.

The Red Devils have spent much of the last six weeks attempting to negotiate a deal for the Netherlands international, with Barcelona open to selling him during the summer transfer window.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, De Jong's agents Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya have told the Catalan giants that their client has no intention of leaving Camp Nou.

As a result, the 20-time English champions could be forced to switch their attention elsewhere, with the club's new head coach Erik ten Hag determined to sign a new midfielder.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three potential alternatives to the Dutchman.


Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans on March 1, 2022© Reuters

Youri Tielemans's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the Belgium international widely expected to leave Leicester before the end of the summer transfer window.

The midfielder's contract at the King Power Stadium only has 12 months left to run, and both Man United and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in his services in the current market.

Tielemans has been a key player for the Foxes since his arrival from Monaco, and he was again in strong form for the club last term, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.

The Belgian has proved himself in the Premier League and certainly has the skill set required to be a success in a Ten Hag side, with the Dutchman wanting midfielders who can look after the ball.

Tielemans could potentially be available for around £30m during this summer's transfer window, which is allegedly less than half what Man United have been quoted for De Jong.


Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Ruben Neves warms up for Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 2022© Reuters

Ruben Neves is thought to be open to a fresh challenge this summer, with the midfielder spending the last five years at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 25-year-old only has two years left to run on his contract at Molineux, and a number of clubs, including Man United, Arsenal and Barcelona, have been credited with an interest in his signature.

Neves scored four goals and registered two assists in 36 appearances at club level last season, while he has represented Wolves on 212 occasions since his surprise arrival from Porto.

Various reports have claimed that the midfielder is valued in excess of £70m by his current side, though, which makes a move difficult unless Wolves are prepared to drop their asking price.

Neves has also proven himself to be one of the most effective midfielders in the Premier League, and like Tielemans, he is at the perfect age to make the move to an elite club.


Ibrahim Sangare (PSV Eindhoven)

PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare celebrates their second goal on September 30, 2021© Reuters

Ibrahim Sangare enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for PSV Eindhoven, making 49 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the Ivory Coast international, who still has three years left to run on his contract with his Dutch club.

The 24-year-old is largely a holding midfielder, which is an area where Man United struggled last term, but a move could depend on what plans Ten Hag has for the incoming Lisandro Martinez.

Chelsea and Leicester City have also been linked with his services, and there is thought to be a €35m (£29.6m) release clause in his current agreement.

There have been claims that Sangare could sign a new deal at PSV if an offer does not arrive in the near future, though, so Man United might have to move quickly if they wish to bring him to Old Trafford.

ID:489952:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6633:
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona on April 18, 2022
Read Next:
De Jong agents 'tell Barcelona the midfielder has no intention of leaving'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Chelsea371791175621360
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371761481602157
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd37176145558-357
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371212135560-548
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!