£200m transfer plan ‘shows intent’ at Old Trafford – GiveMeSport

Manchester United‘s reported plot to sign both Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong shows intent, claims journalist Dean Jones.

Jones, however, is not sure if buying the two midfielders is actually realistic.

Man United transfer news – Jude Bellingham and Frenkie de Jong

According to The Sun, United manager Erik ten Hag wants to sign Bellingham and De Jong as he looks to improve his options in the middle of the park.

They will not come cheap, however, with the same outlet mentioning a combined £200m fee for the two players.

Ten Hag could be given extra funds next summer, though, if the Glazers decide to sell the Manchester club.

“It will be even better because more money will become available for this project,” the Dutchman was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard when discussing United’s potential takeover.

What has Dean Jones said about Jude Bellingham, Frenkie de Jong and Man United?

Jones thinks United targeting Bellingham and De Jong shows ambition. However, he has doubts about whether they can actually pull off signing both.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the transfer insider said: “It’s a great message to be getting out there right now, and it shows intent. But is it particularly realistic? We literally have no idea. We don’t know what the takeover is going to be at this stage.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Who is the more realistic signing, Jude Bellingham or Frenkie de Jong?

You would probably have to say De Jong due to the level of competition for Bellingham.

According to The Athletic, as well as United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all also interested in the England international.

It is also thought that he is going to cost around £130m, so United, or any other club for that matter, are not going to find signing Bellingham easy.

Ten Hag can still be happy, though, if he ends up with De Jong. He is someone the Red Devils manager chased during the summer, with The Athletic claiming that the Manchester outfit actually agreed a fee with Barcelona, while the 25-year-old is obviously not a bad midfielder himself.

As per FBref, De Jong has ranked in the 92nd percentile for pass completion, the 87th for dribbles completed and the 86th for progressive passes received among his positional peers over the last year. It is clear to see that he would bring a lot to the middle of the park at Old Trafford.

You can find all the latest football news and rumours right here.

News Now – Sport News