As Manchester United's hopes of signing Frenkie de Jong appear to grow fainter by the day, there might not be any need for Erik ten Hag to spend big on another midfield option.
United have pursued the Dutch midfielder all summer, even agreeing a fee with Barcelona. However, with the Dutchman keen to stay at Camp Nou, academy graduate Zidane Iqbal has been staking his claim to become part of Ten Hag's first team squad.
Iqbal has impressed Ten Hag during pre-season, catching the eye during the English club's fixtures in Thailand and Australia. And, rather than breaking the bank on a midfield option the club doesn't see as a first choice, their new manager may follow the example he set at Ajax and promote from within.
According to Cadena Ser, De Jong has told his teammates he has no plans to leave Barcelona this summer. This is despite manager Xavi using him as a central defender in pre-season, most recently in a 2-2 draw against Juventus.
The former Ajax star has been urged to take a pay cut at his current club, prompting former Man Utd captain Gary Neville to urge him to seek legal action. Manager Xavi is said to have intervened in the process, holding what were said to have been productive talks with the 25-year-old.
"Frenkie de Jong is our player, we really like him," Barcelona president Joan Laporta told ESPN. "We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn't accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation."
Will Frenkie de Jong stay at Barcelona? Have your say in the comments section
De Jong himself has never seen Barcelona as just another club. He has followed in a long line of Dutch talents to play at Camp Nou, and opened up on his affinity for the club upon joining in 2019.
"I've always dreamed about playing for Barca since I was little," he said at the time. "I like the players and the club. It's the team of my dreams. I want to be an important player for Barcelona and win many trophies."
Xavi, meanwhile, insisted he is not trying to "send messages" to De Jong with his decisions. I spoke with him. I like him a lot,” the manager said after a pre-season friendly victory over Real Madrid.
“For me, he is a fundamental footballer but there is also the economic situation and fair play. He can bring us a lot as a centre-back. I like him in that position."
But what of Iqbal? The teenager only made his senior debut for United last season, in a Champions League dead rubber against Young Boys, but has been impressing his new manager.
Ten Hag is said to have been surprised by Iqbal in pre-season, and the midfield star continued to impress in Australia. He pulled off an impressive piece of skill against Melbourne Victory, and also featured in friendlies against Premier League opposition.
"If an opportunity came up to go out on loan, I would weigh up the pros and cons," the Iraqi international said earlier this moth. "Right now it is too early to say. See what the future holds,"
Since those comments, Iqbal has done enough to earn Ten Hag's backing. United's boss is reportedly ready to keep the wonderkid around the first team for the upcoming season, rather than letting him leave on loan.
With more than a month to go until the transfer window shuts, United could still make progress in their quest to sign De Jong, despite things currently looking unlikely. If they don't, though, then the solution could already be right in front of them.
