The Frenkie de Jong- Manchester United soap opera comes to an end

Manchester United are at the wrong end of this transfer window and will have to settle for the plan B of the big-name signings they wanted a few months ago. Frenkie de Jong was always the number one target for Ten Hag, but the player's adamant stance has forced the 'Red Devils' to find an alternative. Adrien Rabiot, from Juventus, could arrive at Old Trafford soon for a transfer of 17 million euros plus variables, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The French midfielder arrives as an emergency reinforcement for the manager, who found the midfield lacking in his painful home opener against Brighton (1-2). Fred and McTominay both seem unable to adapt to Ten Hag's style, which is why the former Ajax coach became obsessed with De Jong as he needs someone capable of holding the ball without fear of losing it and leading the build-up.

The choice of Rabiot, who has no experience in English soccer, is dubious. The negotiations are on track but have raised many doubts among United fans. The initial talks between the Juventus player and Ten Hag have been positive, but the salary issue has yet to be resolved. His addition would be a fourth of the summer of the Red Devils after the arrival of Eriksen, Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.

According to the Telegraph, United are also preparing a bid for Lazio midfielder Milinkovic-Savic. Initial talks have already taken place with the player's agents, although the club must make the bid for him before the market closes.

De Jong would be highly prefered over Rabiot, but no offers can convince him to play at Old Trafford. Manchester United it seems, have given up on their star signing. The player's entourage is still outraged by the pressure being put on his new contract by the Spanish giants and want nothing to do with a transfer. The option of playing in the Premier League seems closed, either at United or Chelsea. The blues joined the bidding in recent weeks, but neither the offer to play the Champions League nor the words of Todd Boehly have changed the Dutchman's mind.