Man Utd's backup list for De Jong reveals two predictable names as 'ridiculous situation' continues

Man Utd want to sign Yuri Tielemans or Ruben Neves if their deal for Frenkie de Jong falls through, according to reports.

The Red Devils have been seeking a deal for De Jong for the past two months, with Man Utd and Barcelona initially struggling to agree on the Dutch international's fee.

There has reportedly been movement on this now with reports claiming there is a 'broad agreement' between the clubs over a fee, with Man Utd ready to pay Barcelona €65m for De Jong, plus at least another 20 million euros. ons.

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The same report insists that Man Utd have received 'assurances' that De Jong wants to join the club if he can resolve his pay dispute with Barcelona.

De Jong owes the Catalan giants £17m in deferred pay and bonuses after seeing a reduction in their earnings following the Covid-19 pandemic.

But talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook insists the saga has become a 'ridiculous situation' as he revealed Leicester City's Tielemans and Wolves' Neves are the next midfielders ground on their roster if they miss De Jong.

Crook said on talkSPORT: "I think they should probably leave earlier, to be honest, bearing in mind that the first contact between Manchester United and Barcelona was mid-May - we're almost mid-July.

"This is a ridiculous situation. This has been a saga for too long. Either it will happen or it won't.

"I know Manchester United have a backup list. Youri Tielemans is on that list, as I understand it, as is Wolves' Ruben Neves.

"I would call the Barcelona bluff now and say 'either you sell him to us or we'll pay the same price and sign Ruben Neves'. He's a proven player in the Premier League."

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Tielemans and Neves have already been linked with Man Utd on several occasions and both could be good options as they already have Premier League experience.

It has also been claimed that Arsenal could make an offer for Tielemans this summer, while Newcastle are "increasing their interest" in the Belgium international.