Frenkie de Jong says he would ‘love’ to play alongside Barcelona target Robert Lewandowski – though it remains to be seen if either player will be at Camp Nou next season.
The Catalan giants are hoping to prise the Poland international away from Bayern Munich, though the Bundesliga champions are adamant he will not be sold even though he only has one year left on his contract.
Lewandowski’s potential move is likely to be dependent on Bayern managing to sign Sadio Mane from Liverpool as a replacement, while Barca will need to cash in on De Jong in order to fund their summer activity.
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is desperate to be reunited with his former midfielder at Old Trafford, though may need to stump up as much as £70million.
The transfer merry-go-round involving Lewandowski, Mane and De Jong is shaping up to be one of this summer’s biggest sagas, though the players themselves appear to be paying little attention to the speculation surrounding them.
De Jong was in action for the Netherlands against Poland on Saturday and spoke to Lewandowski – who did not play in the match – afterwards.
While the Dutchman did not want to disclose what was said between the two players, he made it clear he would love to play alongside the striker – although whether De Jong is still at Barcelona if and when Lewandowski signs is another matter.
Asked whether he has invited Lewandowski to join him at Barcelona, De Jong laughed and told TVP Sport: ‘He’s an amazing player, one of the best in the world. It’s up to him.’
Probed further on what he would like Lewandowski to do, the Barca man added: ‘Of course I would like to have him in my team!’
De Jong was in a playful move after Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Poland and, after being asked if he would be swapping the beaches in Catalunya for the cold of Manchester, burst out laughing before replying: ‘No… I can’t say anything!’
The 25-year-old is believed to have significant reservations about a potential move to Old Trafford but has now been convinced to move to the Premier League.
United’s next obstacle is agreeing a fee with Barcelona, with the Catalan side hoping the sale of De Jong can fund much of their summer spending – including their swoop for Lewandowski, who could cost around £30m.
MORE : Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to complete the Frenkie de Jong deal by the end of next week
MORE : Frenkie De Jong laughs at Manchester United question after Barcelona reject opening bid
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