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Man Utd set to battle with Barca and Tottenham for Ajax starlet Frenkie de Jong

  /  autty

Manchester United have joined Barcelona and Tottenham in the race to sign Ajax's £50million-rated starlet Frenkie de Jong, after sending scouts to keep an eye on the 21-year-old.

The Red Devils sent personnel to watch the midfielder in Holland's recent Nation's League fixture with France in Paris.

Following a low-key summer with regards transfers, United are keen to delve into the market in January in order to bolster their squad.

Manager Jose Mourinho expressed his dissatisfaction in the summer, after outlining that the club had been unable to deliver the transfer targets he set down.

Barcelona are also believed to be monitoring the player, though De Jong is said to admire the Premier League and prefer a move to England.

United are also confident their good ties with Ajax could help facilitate a deal, with former goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar in charge at the Dutch club.

A summer switch to send Daley Blind back to Amsterdam was also sanctioned by United, which could further enhance their chances of winning the race for De Jong.

Should they enter negotiations, United would not be the first English club to put money on the table for versatile midfielder, who can also operate in defence.

Tottenham saw an offer in the region of £45million knocked back by the Dutch club, though retain an interest in De Jong.

Reports in Spain however carry a confidence that Barca will land the player in the summer window after being quoted a lower price by Ajax.