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.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
Antony on way for £40m EXCLUSIVE, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Bugatti crashes
The best free bets and sign up offers available from our bookmaker partners
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.
Most read in Football
ANT FINALLY 
Man Utd closing in on first deal of summer with £40m Antony on way from Ajax
Man Utd star Ronaldo's Bugatti involved in crash as police launch investigation
Raphinha 'on verge of shock Arsenal transfer with Leeds star keen on move'
I drank 10 beers a day at Madrid & turned up to training drunk, says Cicinho
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
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.
Read More on The Sun
I’m a dad to 160 kids – but I’ll be lucky to get socks on Father’s Day
Thousands of workers set for £2,000 cost of living bonus – are you one of them?
“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.”
Source: Read Full Article
