Eric ten Hag wants Barcelona midfielder to 'lead' his Man United project

The new Red Devils boss is preparing for a busy transfer window next summer.

Manchester United is linked with a move for Frenkie de Jong, who’s reportedly Eric ten Hag’s number one transfer target for midfield.

United confirmed Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager earlier this week.

The announcement ended months of speculation about the potential candidates to land the job. However, it has generated countless rumours over United’s activity in the upcoming transfer window.

The Red Devils are looking for an extensive squad overhaul, with six players running out of contracts. According to Mirror, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, and Lee Grant will leave Old Trafford next season.

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The English outlet claims Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones, Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly could also leave the club at the end of the season.

Ten Hag is reportedly keen to bring some of his former players to Man United in the summer. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a top priority for the Red Devils, with Ten Hag planning to make him a ‘the leader of the new project’ at Old Trafford.

Spanish source Sport has also confirmed United’s interest in the Dutchman, claiming they are preparing to make a bid.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez recently insisted he considers De Jong an important player in his squad.

“Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era,” he said via Fabrizio Romano. “I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barça”