A fresh insight into the transfer endeavours of Premier League giants Manchester United has been forthcoming on Saturday afternoon.
Something of a squad overhaul, of course, is primed to kick into gear on the red half of Manchester this coming summer.
The imminent arrival of new boss Erik ten Hag is expected to be followed by a whole host of departures and arrivals alike, with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and more all set for the exit door.
Who, though, could be brought in to replace such long-time Red Devils stars?
Well, as alluded to above, on Saturday, an insight into precisely that has been provided.
The info comes courtesy of the reliable Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, who points towards a pair of potential reinforcements in the middle of the park at Old Trafford over the coming weeks.
First up, unsurprisingly, comes Frenkie de Jong, long tipped to reunite with former Ajax headmaster ten Hag in England ahead of next season.
The prospect of a deal being struck for the Dutchman, at present, is understood to be viewed as ‘plausible’, albeit with the one major sticking point in negotiations between the clubs remaining Barcelona’s asking price.
VALENCIA, SPAIN – APRIL 10: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Levante v FC Barcelona at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on April 10, 2022 in Valencia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
The Blaugrana have been steadfast in their demands of around €80 million for de Jong, a sum which would out a considerable dent in United’s alleged £120 million summer transfer budget.
FdJ, though, is not the only high-profile midfield addition being considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy with a view to next season.
The other? N’Golo Kante.
The Athletic’s report goes on to add that a proposal for Chelsea star Kante is being taken into serious consideration, owing to both the Frenchman’s defensive nous and Premier League experience.
Any such move has not yet been definitively green-lighted, however, amid lingering concerns surrounding Kante’s increasing inability to maintain fitness.
Nevertheless, a potential Manchester switch for the 31-year-old remains one to keep an eye on, with Chelsea expected to be open to parting with their once irreplaceable enforcer at a reduced cost ahead of the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2023.
#MUFC negotiating Frenkie de Jong fee with Barcelona.
N’Golo Kante set to be available for cut price, but injury record a consideration.
Darwin Nunez transfer overseen by Jorge Mendes.
Harry Kane staying at #THFC.
CB lower down list of priorities.https://t.co/77YMCIospi
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) May 28, 2022
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