Man Utd: £133m star 'better signing than De Jong' at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United would be better off signing Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham next summer than trying again for Frenkie De Jong at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Erik ten Hag spent over £200 million on new signings in his first transfer window as manager but plans will already be formulating ahead of next year.

What happened with De Jong?

Hopes were high in the North West when The Athletic reported that the Red Devils had struck a £63 million agreement with Barcelona for the 25-year-old’s services.

But a move did not materialise. A dispute between De Jong and Barcelona over deferred wages complicated the transfer while the former Ajax ace was also not convinced by a move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea also entered the race for his signature but could not complete an agreement either, leaving the midfielder where he started the window.

Casemiro eventually signed from Real Madrid to help Ten Hag’s midfield worries while De Jong has been a regular under Xavi at the Nou Camp this term.

Other options may still be targeted, however, with it understood Youri Tielemans and Bellingham are both on their list.

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What has Jones said on the matter?

Jones believes that, after De Jong made it clear he did not want a move to United, the club would be better placed moving on.

The journalist says Bellingham is one of Europe’s brightest midfield talents and would be a better signing than the Dutchman.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Bellingham would now be a better signing than De Jong. I think when a player has shown such stubbornness not to join your club the sensible option is to move on – and Bellingham is one of the best all-round midfielders in European football right now.”

Are United’s favourites for Bellingham?

It appears that the club have plenty of work to do if they are to overtake Liverpool in the race to sign the exciting 19-year-old.

It is understood that the Reds are making progress in their pursuit of Bellingham and hope to strike an agreement ahead of the 2023 summer window opening.

The former Birmingham City man will not come cheap, either. Dortmund bought Bellingham for just £30 million but would now want £132 million, while Transfermarkt value the ace at £81 million.

United were in the running to sign him from the Blues back in 2020 and saw a £20 million offer turned down on January deadline day.