Manchester United must swap Anthony Elanga and Scott McTominay if they want to land Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The playmaker is rumoured to be a target for incoming boss Erik ten Hag, whom he worked under while at Ajax. United are in the market for midfielders this summer with Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all poised to leave.
There had been speculation that Barcelona were considering Alex Telles, Marcus Rashford and even captain Harry Maguire as potential swap candidates. But Spanish journalist Gerard Romero (via the Express) has claimed their interest in Elanga and McTominay is genuine.
Talks over a potential De Jong deal could begin within the ‘coming days’, he says, which may involve both United players. That said, boss Xavi has made his feelings clear, calling De Jong the “future” of his side.
Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani is in talks over a potential exit to Boca Juniors, according to the Mirror. It claims the Uruguayan was not happy when United brought in Cristiano Ronaldo after the club had promised him they wouldn’t purchase another striker following Cavani’s 17-goal haul last season.
As it has happened, the 35-year-old’s season has been littered with injuries. Several reports have linked him with a return to South America and Boca Juniors look to have won the race for the veteran.
