Manchester United have reportedly contacted Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over potential Frenkie de Jong alternative Leandro Paredes, as per L'Equipe.
The Red Devils' focus throughout the summer transfer window has been on attempting to lure Barcelona midfielder De Jong, 25, to Old Trafford. The Dutchman reportedly desires to stay at Barcelona even though the La Liga side are interested in offloading him.
However, United appear to be putting plans in place should a potential deal for the Barca star fail to materialize and have initiated contact with PSG over Paredes.
The 28-year-old's contract with PSG expires in 2024 and the Argentine could potentially be a lower-cost alternative to De Jong. PSG have reportedly demanded €35 million for Paredes (per L'Equipe), which is problematic for United, who won't want to pay over the odds this summer.
Paredes made just 22 appearances in all competitions last season and appears to be surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes.
The Argentinian joined the Ligue 1 giants from Zenit St-Petersburg in 2019 for £36 million (€42.6 million), He has made 113 appearances for the Parisians, scoring three goals while providing nine assists.
With just two years remaining on his current deal with the French side, Manchester United will likely look to negotiate a less expensive price then the €35 million being quoted.
Manchester United might have accepted Frenkie de Jong situation by targeting PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes
Manchester United's potential pursuit of Leandro Paredes hints that they may have accepted that they will not be able to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The former Ajax star has been atop Erik ten Hag's transfer wishlist but there have been many hurdles in the race for the midfielder.
Negotiations with Barca have not been an easy ride, with the Catalan giants holding out for €86 million for the Dutchman. The Red Devils have reportedly found an agreement with Barca to pay €65 million as a fixed amount and €20 million in variable add-ons for De Jong.
However, the personal terms are yet to be agreed with the 25-year-old and he still wants to stay at Nou Camp.
Recent speculation has seen Chelsea touted as potential suitors for the Barca midfielder and this has only further cast doubt on the pursuit from United.
A lack of Champions League football is seemingly putting targets off and now Erik ten Hag's side may just be considering alternatives. Paredes' lack of first-team opportunities is sure to give United more sway in luring him to Old Trafford.
Nuuadorz
2
I prefer to bring back Herrera than paredes
Nohcdekstu
2
Moussss
0
Frankie's wife: oh yeah I'm gonna try to be friend with messi's wife again 😀
x1Sixtus
2
very good PSG this is the chance to get De jong, and sell parades to united, Dr jong has always wanted to lay with mbappe same as vitihna, this will make the project around mnappe very solid, united is desperately I need of a tall and aggressive 6 shirt who can provide long and short passes like pogba, and PARADES is the man for the job... This is the time to strike....
Nicadiluyz
0
whenever new manager comes to United United fans start linking players from their previous clubs.... seriously...stupid....when ole came they started linking halaand to United because he coached him at Malmo, now for de Jong.. Mourinho always wants matic....wtf is going on
jukeklmrs
2
I hate this player de jong he can not do well in Manchester United
Zunckmpsz
1
please stop chasing de jong. he don't want to play for united...find a player where there is united on thier heart.
slgeek
1
They need a quality Defensive Midfielder. Neves is the only good option at the Market if they fail to land De Jong. Ten Hag knows the weakness is in DMF and Man Utd Board suggesting him with Central Midfielders
Eltonmentor
2
y'all better look for alternative because de Jong is not going anywhere