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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly decided against renewing Paul Pogba's contract at Old Trafford with all eyes set on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong, 25, continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United. Manchester Evening News recently reported that Barcelona are willing to compromise on a £70 million deal with the Red Devils.
Que T'hi Jugues reports that Erik ten Hag was asked by Manchester United chiefs about potentially renewing midfielder Pogba's contract at the club.
The former Ajax coach decided against doing so, with De Jong being a 'priority' signing. Pogba's contract is set to expire at the end of June, following which he'll leave the club on a free transfer.
Pogba has been at Manchester United for six years, having rejoined from Juventus in a then-world record deal of £89 million back in 2016.
The French midfielder has had a controversial time at Old Trafford, plagued with criticism over his contribution to the Red Devils. He made 232 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 39 goals and contributing 51 assists whilst winning the Europa League and the League Cup.
The Frenchman looks likely to be heading back to Juventus and has reportedly agreed a four-year deal with the Old Lady (per The Sun).
Manchester United's pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong continues
Erik ten Hag knows all about De Jong, having managed him previously at Ajax before the Dutch midfielder left for Barcelona in 2019 for £77 million.
The 25-year-old played 59 times under Ten Hag, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.
The duo had great success working with each other in Amsterdam, winning the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup. They also made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.
De Jong's time at Barcelona has been in the side's period of setback, with financial complications and debt crippling the La Liga giants.
Lionel Messi was forced to depart the club last summer because of La Liga's wage regulations and Barca are in somewhat of a rebuild under Xavi Hernandez as a result.
However, they seem willing to enter their new era under Xavi without De Jong and have been linked with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi would like to sign the Portuguese midfielder if De Jong leaves.
Silva has done nothing to play down speculation of a move to the Nou Camp whilst on international duty with Portugal, telling O Jogo (via MEN):
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to answer, because I'm at the service of the national team and super focused on the game that remains. When the season ends, we'll see what happens."
In this case, it seems likely that De Jong will leave Barcelona and Manchester United will hope that they bring him to Old Trafford.
