Three midfielders Manchester United could target after Frenkie de Jong blow

The Red Devils have spent much of the last six weeks attempting to negotiate a deal for the Netherlands international, with Barcelona open to selling him during the summer transfer window.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, De Jong's agents Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya have told the Catalan giants that their client has no intention of leaving Camp Nou.

As a result, the 20-time English champions could be forced to switch their attention elsewhere, with the club's new head coach Erik ten Hag determined to sign a new midfielder.

With that in mind, Sports Mole identifies three potential alternatives to the Dutchman.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Youri Tielemans's future remains the subject of much speculation, with the Belgium international widely expected to leave Leicester before the end of the summer transfer window.

The midfielder's contract at the King Power Stadium only has 12 months left to run, and both Man United and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in his services in the current market.

Tielemans has been a key player for the Foxes since his arrival from Monaco, and he was again in strong form for the club last term, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in 50 appearances in all competitions.

The Belgian has proved himself in the Premier League and certainly has the skillset required to be a success in a Ten Hag side, with the Dutchman wanting midfielders who can look after the ball.

Tielemans could potentially be available for around £30m during this summer's transfer window, which is allegedly less than half what Man United have been quoted for De Jong.

Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Ruben Neves is thought to be open to a fresh challenge this summer, with the midfielder spending the last five years at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 25-year-old only has two years left to run on his contract at Molineux, and a number of clubs, including Man United, Arsenal and Barcelona, have been credited with an interest in his signature.

Neves scored four goals and registered two assists in 36 appearances at club level last season, while he has represented Wolves on 212 occasions since his surprise arrival from Porto.

Various reports have claimed that the midfielder is valued in excess of £70m by his current side, though, which makes a move difficult unless Wolves are prepared to drop their asking price.

Neves has also proven himself to be one of the most effective midfielders in the Premier League, and like Tielemans, he is at the perfect age to make the move to an elite club.

Ibrahim Sangare (PSV Eindhoven)

Ibrahim Sangare enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for PSV Eindhoven, making 49 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the Ivory Coast international, who still has three years left to run on his contract with his Dutch club.

The 24-year-old is largely a holding midfielder, which is an area where Man United struggled last term, but a move could depend on what plans Ten Hag has for the incoming Lisandro Martinez.

Chelsea and Leicester City have also been linked with his services, and there is thought to be a €35m (£29.6m) release clause in his current agreement.

There have been claims that Sangare could sign a new deal at PSV if an offer does not arrive in the near future, though, so Man United might have to move quickly if they wish to bring him to Old Trafford.