MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly fascinated by two Barcelona stars, regardless of BOTH of them rejecting the Crimson Devils final season.
Erik ten Hag is hoping to bolster his squad in the summertime because the membership look set to return to the Champions League.
Frenkie de Jong has been linked with Manchester United for greater than a 12 monthsCredit score: Alamy
Ronald Araujo might additionally depart Barcelona this summer seasonCredit score: Alamy
And they’re understood to be plotting a return for Barcelona duo Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Araujo.
In accordance with Mundo Deportivo, Man Utd are planning to swoop for centre-back Araujo if the Catalan giants’ monetary state of affairs means they fail to register him for the 2023/24 marketing campaign.
The Uruguayan defender, 24, has been a key a part of Xavi’s defence which has conceded simply 15 targets in 35 LaLiga video games this season.
However United didn’t signal him final summer season when he opted to pen a contract extension to maintain him at Barcelona till 2026.
He then got here out and advised ESPN: “I’m actually pleased and I’m satisfied that staying is the proper resolution as a result of there are good years forward for the membership. I used to be at all times sure I wished to remain.
“There have been large presents from overseas, however I’m pleased at Barcelona. My household like it right here and the followers and my teammates have at all times made me really feel at residence. I’m grateful for the hassle the membership have made.
“All of us gave somewhat bit to achieve an settlement, which is what all of us wished. [The Premier League interest] didn’t distract me in any respect.
“I used to be satisfied what I wished. It’s true cash is an element, however for me it’s not a very powerful factor.
“I’m pleased at Barcelona. The concept is to be right here for a few years, and perhaps in two years I can renew once more and go for much more [success]. That’s the intention. I’m satisfied that with the crew and the venture we’re constructing.”
De Jong additionally publicly rejected a transfer to Man Utd final summer season after a long-running switch saga.
The Dutch midfielder, 26, who can also be below contract till 2026, starred for Ajax below Ten Hag and was considered a executed deal to come back to Outdated Trafford on quite a few events.
However he ended up staying, telling NOS: “The membership was in a troublesome state of affairs and so they might have bought me for a giant charge. However I didn’t need to go and stayed.
“Manchester United spoke with Barca, despite the fact that I wished to remain. I need to be at Barca for so long as I can.”
Barcelona not too long ago regained the LaLiga title following a powerful home marketing campaign.
However they had been eradicated by Man Utd within the play-off spherical of the Europa League – having been knocked out of the Champions League within the group stage for the second successive 12 months.
Barcelona are considered within the means of offloading gamers to allow them to afford to convey Lionel Messi again to the membership.
The Argentine icon, 35, is about to depart Paris Saint-Germain this summer season.
And whereas a romantic return to Barcelona has been mooted, a transfer to Saudi Arabia now seems almost definitely for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.