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AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Viktor Klonaridis of AEK, Frenkie de Jong of Ajax during the UEFA Champions League match between Ajax v AEK Athene at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 19, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Viktor Klonaridis of AEK, Frenkie de Jong of Ajax during the UEFA Champions League match between Ajax v AEK Athene at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 19, 2018 in Amsterdam Netherlands (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Manchester United Reportedly Join Barcelona, Tottenham in Frenkie de Jong Race

Christopher Simpson
Sep 20, 2018

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Ajax starlet Frenkie de Jong.

According to The Sun's Daniel Cutts, United boss Jose Mourinho is a fan of the 21-year-old and the club scouted him during the Netherlands' UEFA Nations League meeting with France earlier in September.

Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in the youngster, but the Red Devils are hoping to steal a march as they are "set to make a move" for him in January.

United evidently liked what they saw of him, as a source at the club toldย Cutts:

"The club decided to take a look at him as they have been getting rave reviews from elsewhere.

"Jose and the staff like the look of him. He can play in a few different roles and he looks comfortable wherever, which is a big plus.

"The scouts were already sure he is the real deal but his display against France only intensified that belief even further.

"He is a top-class talent and it is clear to see why so many of the big teams in the Premier League and around Europe want him."

Bleacher Report's Matt Jones also enjoyed his performance against France despite De Jong's side'sย 2-1 loss:

The Dutchman splits his time between centre-back and central midfield, making him a versatile option.ย Given his ability in midfield, it will come as little surprise that he likes to carry the ball out from defence.

He's clearly got an eye for a pass too, having racked up an impressive tally ofย nine assists last season.

Squawka's Muhammad Butt watched him help Ajax record a 3-0 win overย AEKย Athens on Wednesday:

According toย Cutts, United are hoping to leverage their positive relationship with Ajaxโ€”whose CEO is former Red Devils star Edwin vanย derย Sarโ€”to get a leg up on the competition.

Deย Jongย looks to have a bright future ahead of him, and if he continues to shine, it won't be a surprise if United or another top side snap him up in 2019.

He will likely be an expensive purchase given the buzz around him, though, so a deal may not be easily struck.

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