Frenkie de Jong escalates Man Utd transfer as Cristiano Ronaldo doubt emerges

Waiting for his first signings of the summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag continues to target his top priority, Frenkie de Jong, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain

Erik ten Hag – like Manchester United supporters across the globe – is desperate to get his rebuild started after what’s been a quiet summer transfer window at Old Trafford as far as incomings go.

While the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani have been released from their lucrative contracts and packed their bags, the Red Devils have failed to snap up any of their new manager’s targets. Old Trafford chiefs continue to thrash out a deal with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, while Cristiano Ronaldo‘s future has now been thrust into doubt.

Other names have also emerged, as fans are growing more eager for some action in market to help United compete with their Premier League rivals and not get left behind ahead of another seismic few months.

Here’s the latest transfer news and gossip from Old Trafford.

De Jong ’empties’ locker’

Frenkie de Jong has emptied out his locker at Barcelona’s training ground, according to AS. The 25-year-old recently cleared his belongings from Ciutat Esportiva after Ten Hag turned his head when presenting the idea of a move to Old Trafford. Barcelona’s well-documented financial predicament is forcing De Jong to leave the Camp Nou, having previously stated that he’d want to stay.

While Mirror Football understands that United are not willing to be Barcelona’s financial bail-out in order to secure a deal, the reports adds that Barcelona would accept €80 million (£68.8m) to sell the midfielder. The Red Devils are believed to be the only club to have made formal contact over De Jong, boosting United chances of signing the Netherlands international.

Ronaldo future doubt

Despite committing himself to Ten Hag’s revolution, Cristiano Ronaldo is claimed to be considering his future at the club. La Repubblica, via Get Italian Football News, report that the 37-year-old doesn’t feel involved in the Dutch tactician’s project and his agent, Jorge Mendes, is already looking for a potential suitor amid links to a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Roma.

Ronaldo – who Ten Hag has raved about and wants to keep – had been making all the right noises following his new boss’ appointment, notably telling club media: “What I know about him is he did a fantastic job for Ajax, that he’s an experienced coach. But we need to give him time.

“Things need to change the way he wants. I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best. We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let’s believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies.”

Red Devils in Raum race

United will reportedly face competition from Newcastle, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign David Raum from Hoffenheim. Sky Germany claim that while Dortmund had been in pole position to sign the left-back for some time, but Raum’s superb first season in the Bundesliga has prompted English clubs to take notice.

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The 24-year-old, who won the German top flight’s newcomer of the year award last term, enjoyed a spectacular campaign with 11 assists after joining on a free from Greuther Furth. Raum’s contract with Hoffenheim runs until 2026 and the club would demand around €40 million (£34.3m) to sell him.

However, a cheaper release clause comes into play next summer and clubs such as the Red Devils could choose to wait. The United target would have to prove himself for another year, having recently broken into his Germany’s international setup and made himself a mainstay on Hansi Flick’s side.