FORMER Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has warned the Red Devils against signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.
De Jong, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford since Erik ten Hag took over.
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United attempted to sign him from Barcelona in the summer of 2022 but the midfielder refused to leave after a fee was negotiated.
However, he is now finally open to a transfer and several clubs are reportedly prepared to battle it out for his signature.
Man Utd are expected to re-enter the race to sign De Jong, but Silvestre has warned that signing him could hinder Kobbie Mainoo’s development.
The ex-United star told Bettingexpert.com: “If a player like Frenkie de Jong is available, he should be considered. But again you look at Kobbie and we talked about Scott, and we have Casemiro here.
“Will De Jong be an upgrade? Of course. Ahead of Kobbie but if you want to continue developing Mainoo and give him the time, I don’t think De Jong should come in.”
He added: “If you qualify for the Champions League, then signing De Jong makes sense. You have to consider him for sure.
“He’s a top player but putting him in a midfield where the manager likes to play with two defensive midfielders, if you play with three, it could be a different proposition.
“So the answer is yes, do consider him.”
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Chelsea are also understood to be interested in signing De Jong.
They are allegedly prepared to table a bid worth up to £85m for the Dutchman.
Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing him.
The Dutchman joined Barcelona in a £64m transfer from Ajax in 2019 and has since made 206 first team appearances.