In preparation for the summer transfer season, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to have created a shortlist of three midfield players.

Frenkie de Jong was at the head of that shortlist last summer because the manager was still keen to sign him.

The club wanted to sell him, but the Dutch international made it clear to everyone involved that he wanted to remain at Barcelona.

He appears to still be of interest to the team, and a new trade war may break out this summer.

He is currently listed as one of the three midfielders Erik ten Hag is interested in and has added to the roster, according to The Mirror.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro joined the team last summer and worked well together before the Danish international’s injury.

Since then, there have been numerous changes in the middle due to Casemiro’s suspension and the competition for the other pivot spot among Fred, Scott McTominay, and Marcel Sabitzer.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and De Jong are all listed as potential transfer targets by Manchester United, according to the article, which quotes The Daily Mail.

In the summer, Ten Hag will undoubtedly return to the midfield in search of his perfect target. The terrible showing against Newcastle yesterday made it clear that more help is needed there.

It is unclear if De Jong, who Ten Hag has always favored, or the other two in issue will be that person. It’s even conceivable that more than one of the three could be purchased under new management.

Any one of the three, though, will have a chance to complete that position in the pivot the boss has been begging for.

Bellingham and Rice are anticipated to move this summer, and top clubs across the Premier League and Europe have expressed interest. As a result, they will likely be in high demand.

The young England international is highly regarded by Real Madrid, who could shortly make a bid for him.

Given that all three clubs want to retain them past this season, none of the three midfielders are likely to be purchased for a low price.

Given Newcastle’s intense interest in the Scottish international, selling Scott McTominay this summer could help United generate some money.