Five players Manchester United should target instead of Frenkie de Jong

There are plenty of good alternatives to the Dutch midfielder available at lower prices.

Manchester United have shown a lot of interest in Frenkie de Jong this summer with Erik ten Hag reportedly wants to reunite with the Dutch midfielder and is his top target. However, United are still struggling to reach an agreement with FC Barcelona despite having been in negotiations for more than a month.

Even if they find a way to reach an agreement, they will have to change the mind of the midfielder who is reportedly unwilling to shift his base to Old Trafford. De Jong is reported to be unsatisfied with Manchester United's current position. And does not want to be added to the club's list of poor jinxes.

Today we are going to find out the top five best alternatives which Manchester United can target in the Market.

5. Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

In recent years, Youri Tielemans has emerged as one of the most assured defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Since joining Leicester City in 2019, the Belgian international has been a revelation. He has settled into the Premier League like a duck into the water. And can easily become the missing piece of United's midfield puzzle.

Also, he is reportedly considering leaving King Power stadium after rejecting the contract extension offer. The possibility of Tielemans moving to Old Trafford has long been mooted and the club has always been highly impressed with him. Arsenal, however, is also reportedly pushing hard for Leicester City's star this summer, ahead of Manchester United.

4. Matheus Nunes (Sporting CP)

Originally from Brazil, Matheus Nunes plays in midfield for Sporting CP in Portugal. The Sporting midfielder was one of the best players in the Primeira Liga last season and was instrumental in Sporting CP's run to the Champions League Round of 16. Though he has switched to Portuguese nationality, there is still a Brazilian flavour to his play.

He is technically gifted and even Pep Guardiola hailed him as 'best' after his Manchester City defeated Sporting CP five-nil in the home leg. Since then, he has been on the radar of many big clubs, especially Premier League clubs like Liverpool, and Chelsea has been keeping an eye on his progress. He is 23-year-old and can be a good alternative for Frenkie de Jong in the transfer market.

3. N'golo Kante (Chelsea)

Kante has been a top defensive midfielder in the Premier League for years now. But his career has suddenly been in a dark place this summer. The French midfielder is surprisingly tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer with many Premier League vying for his signature.

Kante is 31 years old, and Chelsea reportedly wants to invest in youth and generate some cash from his transfer. Any team around the world would benefit from having Kante, and Manchester United is unlikely to be an exception. This could be a major reinforcement for Manchester United's midfield. This will also evoke memories of the 2014 transfer of Juan Mata from Chelsea.

2. Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint Germain)

Paris Saint Germain's Leandro Paredes has been heavily tipped to move to Old Trafford in recent days. A lot of physicality and ruthlessness characterize his game in the middle. Paredes, however, has been unable to get game time at Le Parc des Princes and is willing to leave.

Erik ten Hag's side could do well with Paredes, but the only question is whether he can succeed in the Premier League. The English league is arguably one of the toughest leagues in the world, and Paredes hasn't proven himself in tough leagues yet. Though he is a regular in Argentina's National Team, club football is an entirely different game.

1. Ruben Neves (Wolves)

For years, Manchester United's fans have dreamed of having Ruben Neves on their team. There is always a link between his name and Old Trafford in every transfer window. Compared to Frenkie de Jong, he is the best available alternative. The Portuguese midfielder is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and is definitely ready for a bigger challenge.

Not only is he a good player, but he also possesses leadership skills, which Manchester United desperately needs. Neves can dictate the game from the back. Above all, this will allow players like Donny van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes to roam freely. According to reports, he could cost Manchester United upwards of £60 million, but he would be a great addition.

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