Manchester United have put Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves on their shortlist if they're unable to obtain Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer, according to reports.
The Dutch midfielder has been Erik ten Hag's main target this summer, and the transfer saga is still an ongoing one as United aim to finish the deal after their pre-season has got underway.
But, there are certain complications which have led to this dragged out situation.
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De Jong is owed over 17 million in wages from his parent club, after agreeing to defer them after the Spanish club were hit by the impact of the global pandemic.
Also, the players first preference is still to remain at the Catalan club, but their financial situation still means that a sale makes sense.
Ten Hag has reportedly convinced the player of the project at Old Trafford, but it seems that if he had the choice then he'd remain put.
Latest reports have suggested that United are looking at Plan B and C options in case the deal for De Jong completely falls through in the coming weeks.
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Alex Crook of TalkSPORT has said that two Premier League midfielders are on the list if United are unable to sign the Dutch midfielder.
"I know Manchester United have a back-up list if the Frenkie de Jong transfer doesn't happen." He began.
"Youri Tielemans is on the list, as I understand, and Ruben Neves of Wolves."
These are both players that have previously been linked to a United move.
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Positives for either player is that they are proven in the league and would be unlikely to need an adjustment period.
However, neither are on the level of Frenkie de Jong.
It would be a disappointment if United need to buy either of these players, as that would mean that Ten Hag did not get his main target,
Yet, it is promising to see that the club are preparing for all scenarios, so that they are not left in the mud if De Jong does not make the move.
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United fans will be hoping that De Jong will eventually move to Old Trafford.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves, Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag
