Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Frenkie de Jong this summer. But, with Barcelona making it clear they want him to stay and the midfielder himself wanting to play in the Champions League, a move to Old Trafford seems unlikely. So that begs the question: is it all a smokescreen?
Man Utd have transfer interest in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong (Image: GETTY)
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In recent years, the Red Devils have pulled some deals out of the bag - seemingly from nowhere.
Nobody had got wind Radamel Falcao would move to Old Trafford on loan from Monaco in 2014, with the striker arriving on a thrilling transfer deadline day.
Likewise Anthony Martial 12 months later, with the France international relatively unknown at the time.
Under Jose Mourinho, United signed Eric Bailly with few knowing the news in the days, weeks and months before the deal was struck.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was another shock coup in 2016, with the Armenia international previously looking likely to join Arsenal or Liverpool instead.