Jose Mourinho plots January move for Barcelona, PSG target Frenkie de Jong
Posted Saturday, September 22, 2018 by Express.co.uk
Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho eyes a move for Ajax star Frenkie de Jong (Image: GETTY)
MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing themselves to battle with Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain to sign Ajax’s £50million-rated star Frenkie de Jong.
United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly a keen admirer of the Dutch star and the club sent out scouts to watch him over the international break.
United personnel ran the rule over the 21-year-old midfielder in Holland’s UEFA NationsLeague match against France in Paris, The Sun reported.
De Jong is one of Ajax’s hottest prospects and it will not be easy or cheap to entice the youngster to make the move to Manchester.
Though predominantly a midfielder, the versatile player can slot in in defence, which might give Mourinho an additional incentive to try and sign the player.
Mourinho will try and use the good relations which exists between the clubs to United'sadvantage - currently former Old Trafford goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar is CEO of Ajax.
If United were to make a move they would be expected to pay a fee of around £50m for the player, as Tottenham had a £45m bid rejected earlier in the year.
However, as De Jong is a talented player United will face stiff opposition for his signature from Barcelona, PSG and, Express Sport understands, Spurs.
It appears that Barcelona are the front runners for his signature but a deal might have to wait until next year.
Last month De Jong claimed he was happy to stay at Ajax, for this season, after they qualified for the Champions League group stage.
"Maybe someday I'll join Barcelona, but not this season," De Jong said.
"I have already played a binding match for Ajax.
"I’m staying at Ajax.
"I think it will be a good year.”
PSG boss Thomas Tuchel is determined to bring De Jong to Paris, with the French champions eyeing up a possible January move, Mundo Deportivo report.
Although De Jong has expressed interest in Barcelona, the Red Devils still believe they have a chance of bringing in the young player to Old Trafford.
The two clubs have shown recently they are able work through a transfer, with Daley Blind returning to Ajax in the summer window, and a source has talked up a potential move.
“The club decided to take a look at him as they have been getting rave reviews from elsewhere,” a United source said to The Sun.
“Jose and the staff like the look of him. He can play in a few different roles and he looks comfortable wherever, which is a big plus.
“The scouts were already sure he is the real deal but his display against France only intensified that belief even further.
“He is a top class talent and it is clear to see why so many of the big teams in the Premier League and around Europe want him.”
Photos
More»
Russian bombshell Anastasia Kvitko
Friday November 15 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Greece 0 - 3 England
Friday November 15 2024
Your Say