Manchester United are reportedly looking to step up efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong following Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
The German will be making plans for the upcoming January transfer window after getting his feet under the table at Old Trafford.
The United interim manager is expected to be handed funds in order to improve his squad in the New Year and, according to reports in Spain, De Jong may well be at the top of his shopping list.
El Nacional have suggested United are interested in signing the former Ajax midfielder, with Rangnick an admirer of the 24-year-old.
According to the report, Barcelona were willing to offload former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho, but United have turned their attentions to De Jong instead.
Barca – whose financial issues have been well documented – are aiming to raise funds ahead of the window, with new manager Xavi looking to build his team.
United will reportedly look to use Edinson Cavani as a makeweight in a potential deal, with the Uruguay striker having been linked with a move to the Camp Nou in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, various reports have suggested Rangnick is closing in on his first transfer, with RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara being linked with a £33m move.
Rangnick signed Haidara for both RB Salzburg and Leipzig, and the 23-year-old has been one of the most prominent names linked with United since the German’s arrival at Old Trafford.
According to the Mirror, a deal will be completed in January to bring the Mali international to the Premier League, with United ready to pay the midfielder’s buy-out clause.
Haidara will be involved in the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year, but United have not been deterred as they look to add to their midfield options.
Haidara himself has also suggested he would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, having previously revealed he grew up as a United supporter.
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