MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag is desperately targeting a move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
But the deal could be scuppered by fierce rivals Manchester City.
De Jong has emerged as Ten Hag’s top midfield target after the pair worked together at Ajax.
United need a new maestro to dictate play after losing Paul Pogba on a free transfer.
And talks are ongoing with Barcelona as Ten Hag looks to wrap up his first signing at Old Trafford.
But City could end up blocking De Jong’s move to United.
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That’s because Barcelona want to sign Portuguese wizard Bernardo Silva.
The playmaker is believed to be weighing up his options after coming close to leaving City last year.
And Xavi Hernandez wants Silva to replace De Jong in his midfield.
Indeed, Barcelona are now reluctant to part ways with the Dutch star until they secure a move for Silva.
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But City do not want to sell one of their best players, who they value at over £80million.
And even if City were open to selling, broke Barcelona have nowhere near enough money to meet that figure.
City’s stance could therefore potentially see United’s move for De Jong collapse.
And Guardiola doubled down on his desire to keep Silva after City and Barcelona agreed to play each other in an August friendly.
Guardiola said: “I think Bernardo Silva will stay with us, that’s my feeling as of today.
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“We don’t know what will happen in the transfer window and we have always said that we want players that want to be in our club.
“But we really appreciate Bernardo and count on him for next season.”
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