Manchester United are still admirers of Frenkie De Jong, and the Dutchman remains on their radar, insider Dean Jones has claimed.

What's the word?

United have previously tried to sign the Barcelona star, who has been hailed as a "genius", but with the club and player adamant that he was to stay at the Nou Camp, a move never materialised.

Whilst it is highly unlikely that anything will change in that regard before the January transfer deadline, the club still admire the player and could return in the summer for the 25-year-old.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones revealed that United are still a fan of his, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with his former Ajax star.

"United do still really like Frankie de Jong, and I know it's a narrative that's become old and probably a bit boring for some people, but he's still on the radar," he stated.

The final piece of the puzzle?

United heavily upgraded their midfield this summer with the signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, and whilst this has yielded good results, a more well-rounded option than Eriksen is arguably necessary.

Although Eriksen has provided creative input with his passing, with nine assists in all competitions, his strength on the ball leaves a lot to be desired, as he ranks in the bottom 22% of midfielders for dribbles as per FBref.

De Jong, who is valued at £96.6 million (CIES), seems like the ideal option to replace the Denmark star, providing more attacking threat with extra touches in the opposition box, as well as ranking in the top 12% of midfielders for dribbles.

If he were to join the three-man midfield, Ten Hag may have the perfect balance in the middle of the park, with his former protege completing his ideal setup.