5 Man Utd midfield transfer alternatives after De Jong delivers hammer blow

Manchester United were hoping to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer... until he spoke to the press on Tuesday night.

"You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player," said the Barcelona midfielder. "But I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."

De Jong's comments have quashed his chances of moving to Old Trafford and left United fans wondering who they're going to sign this summer. New manager Erik ten Hag needs to bring in at least one central midfielder - if not two or three - after the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. That department is arguably United's weakest.

But who is available? Here, Mirror Football names five central midfielders the Red Devils could sign this summer ahead of Ten Hag's first season in charge.

Youri Tielemans

The Belgium international is on Arsenal's transfer shortlist... and United should put him on theirs, too. Tielemans, 25, has been superb for Leicester since he moved to England - initially on loan - in January 2019, making 158 appearances in all competitions.

His blockbuster winner against Chelsea in the FA Cup final in May 2021 will live long in the memory and he's set to star at the World Cup in Qatar later this summer. Tielemans is valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt but will be available for cheaper due his contract expiring in June 2023. This is an absolute no-brainer for United - they should make a bid.

Ruben Neves

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The obvious choice. Neves, 25, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time and would bring plenty of Premier League experience, recently completing his fourth season in the competition with Wolves. He's valued at £36million by Transfermarkt.

The Portuguese ace would also provide some much needed dynamism and steel to United's midfield and Wolves are expected to let him leave this summer. He was spotted emotionally waving goodbye to fans after their final home game of last season.

Wolves have already started planning for Neves' departure. According to The Sun, they're close to signing Joao Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon. It appears United have a great chance of buying Neves... they can't afford to let Arsenal snatch him from under their nose.

Declan Rice

It's believed West Ham have slapped a £120m price tag on Rice. That may seem a lot of money for the England international, 23, but United have to smash transfer records if they want to battle Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.

After all, that's what Sir Alex Ferguson used to do. United broke the British record fee twice in July 2001 to bring Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron to Old Trafford. Yes, twice in a month! Rice's price tag may seem expensive - but it's the going rate.

And Rice is certainly worthy of being the most expensive British footballer. He's been sensational in the heart of West Ham's midfield during recent years, passionately guarding the defence and even adding five goals to his CV last season.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

The Serbian, 27, has been linked with United in the past and there may be an opportunity to sign him this summer. According to reports in Italy - as relayed by Football Italia - Lazio are expecting to receive transfer bids for Milinkovic-Savic in the coming weeks.

The Italian outfit have slapped an €80m (£68.7m) price tag on him - but his agent Mateja Kezman reportedly believes negotiations can start at €65m (£52.6m) - and he has just two years left on his contract. It's believed Lazio will offer him a new deal if he doesn't leave.

It does feel as if now is the time for United to make their move. Milinkovic-Savic certainly has a fine CV, winning Lazio's Player of the Season award two years in-a-row. He was also named Serie A's Best Midfielder in 2018-19 and rarely misses games.

James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse isn't currently linked with United but would be a fine addition. The England international, 27, is vastly experienced - playing 305 Premier League games to date - and is a much better midfielder than both Fred and Scott McTominay.

He would also give the Red Devils a new threat from set pieces. Pep Guardiola has previously described Ward-Prowse as "the best free-kick taker I have seen in my life" - could you imagine his balls flying on to Cristiano Ronaldo's head? Goals, goals, goals.

The biggest sticking point is the transfer fee. Although he's rated at just £28.8m by Transfermarkt, Southampton will command a significantly higher amount as he's still got four years left on his deal. Yet the Saints may let him go for a reasonable price after 19 years of service. That seems unlikely, but you never know in football.