Man Utd's De Jong hopes complicated by Sabitzer deal

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 31 Jan 2023 18:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United still like Frenkie de Jong but there are concerns an eventual permanent move for Marcel Sabitzer could impact that.

The Daily Mail report that Erik ten Hag still very much wants to bring in the Barcelona midfielder to Old Trafford - but there is an acknowledgement that it will likely be one or the other come the summer.

Sabitzer is available during the current transfer window and Man Utd have made their move following news of Christian Eriksen's long-term injury.

READ MORE: Man Utd ‘on the brink’ of Sabitzer loan

The Bayern Munich player is thought to arrive on loan on Deadline Day - and should he prove a valuable addition for the Premier League club this campaign, there is the idea the side could make a play for him in the summer.

German outlet Bild report that the loan will not have an option-to-buy-clause attached to it so Man Utd would have to make another offer in the upcoming window.

Ten Hag still remains an admirer of De Jong and has him in his sights for a move next summer.

The Dutch boss tried to buy his compatriot last summer but, following a lengthy and complicated saga, the move never materialised.

Erik ten Hag’s midfielder headache

Man Utd were indeed dealt a blow with Eriksen out, with the former Tottenham attacker ruled out with an ankle injury until the end of the season.

It means that Ten Hag has only two fit central midfielders for the upcoming games against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace over the next week.

Among their ranks are teenagers Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal but it’s not clear whether they are first-team level yet.

The Red Devils next play in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Old Trafford as they enjoy a 3-0 lead over Forest from the previous encounter.

The only addition to the side the club have made is the loan of Wout Weghorst from Burnley.