Situation ‘remains quiet’ around Manchester United midfield target ahead of January window

Manchester United are one of ten teams whose weekend Premier League fixtures have been postponed due to Covid-19 outbreaks among a number of squads. 

The Red Devils game against Brighton was the first of this round of fixtures to be called off after an announcement on Thursday, and four more games fell foul on Friday morning.

The news has cast further doubt over whether the Premier League schedule can continue over the festive schedule, with several clubs believed to be in favour of a fortnight-long hiatus aimed at breaking the spread of the virus.

However, those in charge of the division are standing firm at present, insisting that they have no plans for a break from action.

There also appears to be very little in the way of developments surrounding one of United’s top targets for the January transfer window.

De Jong could be offloaded to ease Barca’s financial concerns

As per Fabrizio Romano, there is no news yet on the future of Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, who is believed to be a target for both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

The Dutchman has been touted as a possible solution to the midfield conundrum that has hindered the Red Devils in recent years, with his defensive attributes something that the club have been desperately missing in midfield.

However, it appears that a deal will not be done in the new year, according to Romano, with United likely to instead have to wait until the summer.

Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to sell De Jong having only signed the star midfielder two years ago, but the Catalan giant’s ongoing financial issues could force their hand, with the 24-year-old likely to command a significant fee.

The former Ajax man has been an ever present in Barcelona’s midfield, making over 100 appearances in the two years since his move from his homeland.