Erik ten Hag details Man Utd back up plan if Frenkie De Jong deal falls through

Erik ten Hag says he will promote from within Manchester United's squad if he fails to land No.1 transfer target Frenkie De Jong.

United are continuing with their protracted pursuit of Barcelona midfielder De Jong, with whom ten Hag worked when the pair were at Ajax. The two clubs have yet to finalise a deal, while De Jong has publicly insisted he is happy at Barcelona, leaving United's pursuit of the Dutch star in limbo.

Against that backdrop, ten Hag said he will look to his existing squad to address the position if United cannot land De Jong before the September 1 transfer deadline. "We're looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one," said Ten Hag.

"There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can't find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position. We need the right player. We have a list and we will strike the moment the player is available."

Ten Hag said he would like to add English players to his squad but claimed United had been priced out of buying them because of the exorbitant fees demanded.

"I would like to sign English players, because I think there is only one criteria and that's quality in combination with the price," said ten Hag. It looks like English players are quite expensive. It's a fact you cannot deny. In the end, it's about quality."