Man Utd: De Jong 'ignoring noise' from Laporta amid Old Trafford interest | OneFootball

Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong is ‘ignoring the noise’ made by the Barcelona board as the midfielder’s dramatic saga rumbles on, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Erik ten Hag has suffered an awful start to life at Old Trafford and will be determined to strengthen his side ahead of the September 1 deadline.

What is the latest on Frenkie De Jong?

Little over a month ago, United seemed on course to win the race for the 25-year-old after Barcelona reportedly accepted their £63 million proposal.

However, things soon became more complicated. De Jong is continuing to wait on deferred payments owed to him after taking a wage cut during the pandemic while the current Barcelona hierarchy claim the contract was illegally handed out by their predecessors.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also joined the race for the Netherlands international’s signature and De Jong would apparently prefer a move to Stamford Bridge if he is to leave the Camp Nou this summer.

Elsewhere, Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, and the Red Devils reportedly want both players to join this summer.

What has Jones said on the situation?

Jones understands that De Jong, like many players at Barcelona, is simply blocking out the noise made by those in charge of the La Liga giants.

The transfer insider claims that the midfielder wants to let the situation play out and, hopefully, still be a Barcelona player come the end of the window.

When asked if Man United are any closer to a breakthrough, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I was told a lot of the Barcelona players have just learned to ignore the noise that comes from the hierarchy, and they’re just told to focus and let things play out. I think that De Jong is literally trying to let things play out and hope that he just reminds everyone that he’s still a good player, and that he gets through this window still a Barcelona player.”

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Will United be busy in the next few weeks?

Ten Hag has seen his side open the 2022-23 season by losing 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford before being hammered 4-0 by Brentford in west London. So yes, fans will want their team to be very busy before September 1.

While at least one midfielder is clearly needed following another anonymous display in the area on Saturday, attacking reinforcements should also be on the cards.

As per FOTMOB, United took 15 shots against the Bees last weekend, with just four of them hitting the target. Just one big chance was created in the entire 90 minutes for the visitors too.