Man Utd alerted as Barcelona linked with SHOCK Frenkie de Jong replacement

Stuart Telford

• 30 May 2024 12:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have received a boost in their protracted pursuit of Frenkie de Jong with Barcelona linked with a shock replacement for their Dutch midfield metronome.

United have pursued De Jong almost since Erik ten Hag was installed as manager, the pair having previously achieved significant success together at Ajax.

With Casemiro's performances on the wane, the need for a top class defensive midfielder at Old Trafford is becoming more pronounced, and Barca are still in debt to the tune of €552 million.

READ MORE: Latest Man Utd transfer rumours

Despite that, De Jong has long insisted that Barca are his "dream club", even when they owed him €17m in unpaid wages.

But now, as per a report in Spain, Barca have lined up a replacement in Kalvin Phillips, who doesn't have a future at Manchester City after returning on loan from West Ham.

City playing hardball

"The idea is to secure the arrival of a top-level pivot," write Diario Sport. "Kalvin Phillips is on the market as Barca were already interested in January.

"In principle, City want to sell him for around €30 million, but it is likely that he will end up leaving on another loan and the player would love to join Barca.

"Xavi Hernandez had given the move the 'OK' in January until Barca prioritised the signing of Vitor Roque…"

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

Phillips has only made two starts for City in the Premier League since arriving from Leeds in 2022, but some of his averages would augur well for Barca, for example his six progressive passes per 90 minutes that he has played.

Phillips, who joined City for an initial £42m, is now valued at just €14.3m (£12.2m) per FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but if City play hardball Barca might have to settle for a loan.