Manchester United are reportedly growing increasingly hopeful about their chances of prising Frenkie de Jong away from Barcelona for a cut-price fee.
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of midfield targets for the summer window, namely Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Ruben Neves.
However, De Jong is now thought to have emerged as Man United's leading target to bolster the engine room, especially with West Ham insisting that Rice is still not for sale.
The 25-year-old remained an integral part of the Barcelona XI under Xavi last term and ended the 2021-22 season with four goals and five assists from 46 matches in all tournaments.
De Jong's contract with Barcelona is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, but Man United could supposedly seal the Netherlands international's signature for a relatively modest price.
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According to The Sun, Man United are confident of bringing De Jong to Old Trafford for £50m this summer, with the Catalans' long-running financial problems potentially forcing them into a sale.
Talks between the two clubs over a move for De Jong are said to have officially begun, but the player has signalled his intention to remain under Xavi's wing in Catalonia.
Speaking to ESPN, the former Ajax starlet said: "I prefer to stay with Barcelona. Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too.
"I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice."
After emerging as one of Europe's brightest midfield starlets under Ten Hag - helping Ajax reach the semi-finals of the 2018-19 Champions League - De Jong has made 139 appearances in all tournaments for Barcelona since his £77.4m arrival.
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The 25-year-old has registered 13 goals and 17 assists for the Blaugrana in that time, but he has only won one Copa del Rey during his time in Spain so far.
Ten Hag is set to oversee a major overhaul in the engine room at Old Trafford ahead of his first season in charge, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard all leaving on free transfers.
The club also confirmed on Thursday morning that Juan Mata would depart upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month, with Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant joining him.
The Red Devils are allegedly prepared to make De Jong their highest-paid player to convince the Dutchman to make the move to England, but he is not the only name on their midfield wishlist.
Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Napoli's Fabian Ruiz have also been mentioned as targets, as the Red Devils prepare for a season of Europa League football under Ten Hag.
Ben Knapton
