Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has got Manchester United supporters excited after ‘liking’ several posts on Instagram after the team’s 2-1 win over Liverpool on Monday.
The Red Devils have spent much of the summer unsuccessfully pursuing the Netherlands star, who is reluctant to leave Camp Nou despite United agreeing a £73m fee last month.
Although De Jong started – and impressed – in Barca’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, there are still suggestions he may need to be sold with the club’s financial issues preventing them from registering Jules Kounde.
The Dutchman’s exit 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 – remains a sticking point.
While there are conflicting reports over De Jong’s willingness to move to United, he certainly seems to be keeping a close eye on what is happening at Old Trafford.
On Monday, eagle-eyed United supporters spotted that he had liked a post on Instagram showing Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford ahead of being presented to the crowd.
The Brazilian has moved to Manchester in a £59.5m transfer from Real Madrid, having won five Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
Erik ten Hag described Casemiro as the ‘cement between the stones’ and the 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 player.
United have always wanted to sign two new central midfielders – one more destructive and the other more creative – and De Jong would fit the bill to offer more playmaking skills alongside the defensive qualities of Casemiro.
Ten Hag is keen to keep trying to sign De Jong right up until the transfer deadline, and it appears the Barca star may be impressed with what he’s seeing from his prospective new club.
In addition to liking the post about Casemiro’s arrival, he also liked a post from compatriot and Netherlands team-mate Tyrell Malacia after the match.
The left-back gave a superb display in his first Premier League start, keeping Mohamed Salah quiet for large periods of the game, and uploaded a picture celebrating United’s second goal alongside the caption, ‘Mood’.
De Jong was joined by a number of current United players in liking the post, while he was not the only transfer target to get supporters excited with his social media activity.
Ajax winger Antony was also spotted watching the game from his home in Amsterdam and United are expected to return with an improved offer for the Brazilian.
