Manchester United handed Frenkie de Jong boost for January and other transfer rumours

Barcelona are ready to cash-in on Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong this January, according to reports.

United set their sights on De Jong during the summer transfer window - from the moment Erik ten Hag was sworn in as manager - but were unable to get a deal over the line. It meant figures in the Old Trafford boardroom had to go and look elsewhere with Casemiro eventually signed from Real Madrid.

As part of their ongoing rebuild, United also snapped-up Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Martin Dubravka on a season-long loan. But will they finally get De Jong mid-season?

Reports in the Daily Mail suggest Barcelona will need to ease financial concerns on the proviso they are eliminated from the Champions League at the group-stage. With two matches to play, Xavi and his squad are facing up to that very prospect and need to pick up maximum points to keep their hopes alive.

Barcelona spent £132million on new recruits including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha during the summer.

As such, making De Jong available for transfer could be their best chance at recouping some of that outlay. But will United come calling for the Netherlands playmaker, once again?

Elsewhere, reports claim United are leading the race to sign FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa next summer. David de Gea and his place between the posts has come under question this season, while the long-serving Spaniard only has a few months left to run on his contract, albeit United can trigger a one-year extension.

Costa, 23, has emerged as one of the most sought-after stoppers in Europe this season as Diario de Noticias credit United with an interest. Ten Hag prefers his goalkeepers to be comfortable with their feet and that is one area that Costa has excelled in while making 81 appearances for Porto.

He is also a full Portugal international with seven caps to his name.