star Frenkie de Jong has got fans excited after ‘liking’ several posts on Instagram following the side’s 2-1 victory over on Monday night.
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The Red Devils have spent much of the summer unsuccessfully pursuing the Netherlands international, who is reluctant to leave Camp Nou despite United agreeing a £73million fee last month.
Although De Jong started – and impressed – in Barca’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at the weekend, there are still suggestions he may need to be sold with the Catalan club’s financial issues preventing them from registering Jules Kounde.
The Dutchman’s departure would be the final financial ‘lever’ Barca need and could even facilitate a move for Bernardo Silva, but the issue over his deferred wages – he is owed around £14m – remains a sticking point.
While there are conflicting reports over De Jong’s willingness to move to Old Trafford, he certainly seems to be keeping a close eye on what is happening at the club.
On Monday evening, eagle-eyed United fans spotted that he had liked a post on Instagram showing Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford ahead of being .
The Brazilian has moved to Manchester in a £59.5million switch from , having won five Champions League titles during his time in the Spanish capital.
Erik ten Hag described Casemiro as the ‘cement between the stones’ and the defensive midfielder’s arrival is not thought to be as an alternative to De Jong, nor is it an admission of defeat in the race to sign the Barcelona star.
United have always wanted to bring in two new central midfielders – one more destructive and the other more creative – and De Jong would certainly fit the bill to offer more playmaking skills alongside the defensive qualities of Casemiro.
Ten Hag is reportedly keen to keep trying to sign De Jong right up until the transfer deadline, and it appears the Barca man may be impressed with what he’s seeing from his prospective new club.
In addition to liking the post about Casemiro’s arrival, the 25-year-old also liked a post from compatriot and Netherlands team-mate Tyrell Malacia after the game.
The young left-back gave an in his first Premier League start, keeping Mohamed Salah quiet for large periods of the match, and uploaded a picture celebrating United’s second goal alongside the caption, ‘Mood’.
De Jong was joined by a host of current United players in liking the post, while he was not the only transfer target to get fans excited with his social media activity.
Ajax winger Antony was also spotted watching the match from his home in Amsterdam and United are expected to return with a new and improved offer for the Brazilian.
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