Rio Ferdinand believes that Erik ten Hag should avoid bringing Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United this summer.
Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United icon, has asked Erik ten Hag to drop his interest in Frenkie de Jong in order to pursue a summer transfer for Chelsea playmaker and rumored Manchester City target Mateo Kovacic. The Red Devils are largely expected to sign at least one new central midfielder before the start of the new season, with Ten Hag looking to prepare his side for the return of Champions League play at Old Trafford later this year.
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United have been widely connected with a deal for De Jong since last summer, when they attempted to sign him from Barcelona but were turned down due to the player’s unwavering desire to stay at the Nou Camp. Ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of De Jong and is expected to pursue him again between now and the start of next season, but Ferdinand believes that Kovacic would be a better option if United can successfully hijack his projected move to City.
“It sounds too difficult and complicated [to sign De Jong], so let’s move on,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel FIVE. “I believe Kovacic has a year left.” I like him because he’s distinct from what we have.”
Kovacic is rumoured to be interested in a move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season, with the 29-year-old eager to leave Chelsea following four years in west London. According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have granted clearance for the former Real Madrid star to talk personal terms with the newly-crowned Premier League champions.
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