Manchester United Could Sign Christian Eriksen AND Frenkie De Jong This Summer

Manchester United could sign both Christen Eriksen and Frenkie de Jong for Erik ten Hag in the summer transfer window.

The Reds are looking to improve on a dreadful campaign last term, where they finished sixth in the Premier League and were knocked out of all cup competitions before the latter stages.

Erik ten Hag has suggested that the current squad is not as poor as some might think, and that some of these players can improve under his tutelage.

However, there is also an obvious need for reinforcements in key areas, something that the Dutchman agrees with.

United will officially lose four midfield players when their contracts run out at the end of the month. Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic will all leave the club, with the latter two looking set to join Juventus and AS Roma respectively.

This leaves a gaping gap in the middle of the park at Old Trafford, with Scott McTominay and Fred the only two senior pivot players in the entire squad.

Scott McTominay of Manchester United. (Alamy)

Addressing that zone is a priority for the club this summer, and Frenkie de Jong has been Ten Hag's primary target for a number of weeks.

While there has been progression with that deal, with the player now personally up for the move, there is still some way before that deal is completed, according to the ever-reliable David Ornstein.

He also mentions that United have other options lined up.

Recent reports have suggested that United are in for former-Tottenham midfielder Christen Eriksen, with Ornstein reporting on Tuesday afternoon that the club have made an offer for the 30-year-old.

Christen Eriksen with Denmark. (Alamy)

However, the interest in the Denmark international would not rule out a move for Barcelona's De Jong, with there being a possibility that United could sign both players this summer, according to Chris Wheeler and Simon Jones of the Daily Mail.

They added that United see Frenkie de Jong as a different type of midfielder to Eriksen, who is more of a number ten, while De Jong sits deeper alongside a number six.

While Eriksen has offers from his former club managed by Antonio Conte, Everton and Brentford, who he joined on a six-month contract in January, United have stepped up their interest in him.

This report also says that United are yet to make a formal bid to Barcelona for De Jong, and are prepared to walk away from the deal if the two teams cannot agree on a price.

The Spanish club, who are in financial ruins, seem to be holding out for a higher fee for the Dutchman, but United feel that the cost should be reflective of the fact that this deal is an effort to facilitate Barca's transfer plans this summer, according to Rob Dawson of the ESPN.

He adds that United are fearful that the Spanish side are trying to solve their financial problems with the sale of just one player, and have warned them that they are not willing to pay a large offer.

Complications remain, but with Eriksen being a free transfer, there is still a chance that the two midfielders end up at Old Trafford together next season.

Both hugely talented footballers, they would boost United's midfield depth massively.