Frenkie de Jong wanted by PERFECT Premier League club amid Man Utd rumours

Frenkie de Jong is in a state of turmoil at Barcelona. Once hailed as a golden boy of Xavi’s team, under Hansi Flick he has been increasingly peripheral and now appears to be on his way out.

Rumours in Spain have suggested the Blaugrana could be prepared to allow De Jong to depart on a free transfer in the summer but there is more immediate interest in the Netherlands international star.

The 27-year-old has long been coveted by teams in England, with Manchester United long admirers of the player during the Erik ten Hag era.

A deal was unable to be done due to De Jong’s reticence to give up his huge contract at Barca, and while that remains a stumbling block any buying club will have to overcome, Fichajes reports that Tottenham are considering ways this might be done.

It also reports that Man Utd are still eyeing the Dutchman.

“Tottenham, under the command of Ange Postecoglou, are looking to strengthen their midfield with a quality and versatile profile like that of De Jong. His ability to handle the ball under pressure, distribute it accurately and contribute both in attack and defence make him the ideal candidate,” Fichajes says.

“Meanwhile, Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, are also very interested in securing the services of him.”

Tottenham before United

Moving to Spurs would be a smart move for De Jong, according to data analytics experts SciSports. Using the firm’s Career Advice tool, which calculates a club’s suitability based on many factors including playing time, potential development, playing style and formation, it suggests a move to Postecoglou’s side could rekindle the midfielder’s ailing career.

Tottenham achieve a high Club Fit score of 81. Spurs could notably offer De Jong five stars when it comes to playing time and have a style that suits him neatly.

Indeed, it’s Spurs who rate best among all Premier League sides when it comes to suitability for the former Ajax star. Aston Villa come next at 76, followed by Arsenal and Manchester City on 75.

Man Utd are rather more distant on 70, yet this is before the effect of Ruben Amorim has kicked in, so this may well change in the months ahead. The main fear for De Jong at Old Trafford is that he would not develop to his full potential.

Overall, Bayern Munich are seen as the best fit for the Barcelona star with a Club Fit score of 84, though playing time would be an issue for De Jong in Bavaria.