Manchester City edge Barcelona in De Jong pursuit

Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong is one of Europe's most wanted, and Premier League champions Manchester City are one of the clubs determined to sign him next summer according to the Daily Mail.

The Netherlands international fits the Pep Guardiola mould, so much so that he may see another club shaped by the City manager, Barcelona, as his ideal destination. But the Catalan boss will be hoping to lure him to the Etihad Stadium, and the prospect of working under such a highly respected manager could be appealing for the youngster.

Guardiola missed out on a player in this position last summer after Brazil-born Italian midfielder Jorginho chose to be reunited with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, so he will be in the market and ready to pounce should the opportunity arise.

De Jong is an accomplished central midfielder at just 21 and can also operate as a ball-playing centre back. This tactical versatility will suit a manager such as Guardiola, who is not afraid to change his formation from week to week.