Manchester United 'intensify contact' for 13-goal defender and other transfer rumours

Manchester United are continuing to be linked with several potential new signings ahead of the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag's side have an FA Cup final to look forward to next month and are also battling to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table. Despite this reality, rumours are continuing to swirl as to which players United could look to target at the end of the season. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos Group completed a 25 percent takeover of United earlier this year and will be overseeing the transfer business this summer as part of their control of footballing operations at Old Trafford.

The latest rumours around United concern a potential new midfielder and new defender being signed by the Reds. Reports in Germany are claiming that United are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong.

According to Sport Bild, via Sport Witness, United have "intensified contact" with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal to sign Frimpong. The Reds have been linked with the signing of the Netherlands international for several weeks, with Frimpong playing a key role in helping Leverkusen stay unbeaten all campaign and win the Bundesliga title.

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Despite playing as a right-back for the majority of the season, Frimpong has still managed to score 13 goals and provide 11 assists. That form has seen Frimpong linked with a big-money move this summer, with United reportedly the club determined to acquire his services.

Elsewhere, Barcelona have reportedly made a decision on the future of Frenkie de Jong. United have been heavily linked with a move for De Jong ever since Ten Hag was named as managed two years ago.

Despite the links, De Jong has remained at the Camp Nou but that could be about to change. According to Spanish news outlet Sport, the La Liga giants are considering letting De Jong leave the club this summer in order to fund possible new additions ahead of next season.

It has been claimed that there is "interest" from the Premier League, with Paris Saint-Germain also apparently in the running. However, the report states that De Jong has no plans to leave Barcelona this summer, despite the club's stance of being open to the midfielder departing at the end of the season.