Manchester United expect top target Frenkie de Jong to either join Chelsea or stay at Barcelona this summer, according to The Times.
The Red Devils have spent much of the summer trying to sign De Jong, but there has been no progress since agreeing on the transfer fee.
They finalised an initial deal worth £63 million for the 25-year-old last month, but were not able to agree personal terms with the midfielder.
The transfer proposal has now expired, and United have reportedly acknowledged that they are unlikely to sign Erik ten Hag’s top target.
The club expect De Jong to either move to Chelsea or stay with Barcelona when the summer transfer window closes.
Man Utd have messed it up with De Jong pursuit
Throughout the summer, United have been chasing the services of De Jong despite knowing that the player is prioritising Champions League football.
He is still reluctant to part ways with Barcelona due to his deferred wages, but it now appears clear that Chelsea could be his next destination if he leaves.
This could be the reason behind United stepping up their interest in other midfielders. A move for Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot has not materialised thus far due to personal terms.
Over the past 24 hours, they have turned their attention to signing Real Madrid’s Casemiro. The club are prepared to make a stunning £50m bid for the five-time Champions League winner.
It is unclear whether a deal would happen, however. Madrid need to be convinced to sanction his sale while Casemiro also needs to be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford.
If United manage to seal the transfer, it would be a strong statement from the hierarchy on the back of missing out on De Jong. Casemiro is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.
He could instantly transform United’s midfield. He does not possess any weaknesses as he is strong with his tackles, interceptions, clearances, duels and can distribute efficiently.
The 30-year-old does not have the same efficiency as De Jong in passing, but he fares well in several other attributes and would bring a winning mentality into the United squad.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
