De Jong, Rice and Phillips — What Man United’s midfield targets have said about their futures

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United are set for their most important summer transfer window for decades.

How quickly they can forget about the 2021/22 season just gone depends on how they start the next one. A number of big names through the door will help speed along that process.

Erik ten Hag is targeting midfield as a priority area this summer as he attempts to replenish a struggling part of the United squad. His recruitment task is made considerably more difficult by Ralf Rangnick’s failure to secure a top four post last term.

READ MORE: Manchester United prioritise Jurrien Timber as defensive target and hold talks with David Carmo

It means trying to persuade the likes of Frenkie De Jong to swap Barcelona and the Champions League for Old Trafford and the Europa League. As well as the Dutch midfielder, Declan Rice of West Ham and Leeds lynchpin Kalvin Phillips have also been on United's radar.

All have been asked about their futures amid United’s interest. They have provided varied answers but some have hinted at a move more than others.

Here is what they have said about moving away from their current clubs.

"I feel like playing well comes with speculation. I've had two or three top seasons with West Ham and the top clubs around the country are always going to be watching.

"I think it's important not to get too carried away with that. We've had a good season with West Ham and there have been big games I've had to play in so I feel like my focus has always been on that.

If I thought about other things, I'd get carried away and that wouldn't be fair on the team or the manager. I can't help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about.

"It's crazy to speak about to be honest, so I just kind of block it out and do what I do