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Signing Barcelona-linked Frenkie de Jong would be perfect tonic for Tottenham fans amid reported interest

John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
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Premier League giants Spurs are reportedly still interested in Ajax’s Eredivisie starlet De Jong – as are La Liga champions FC Barcelona.

Frenkie de Jong of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie  match between Vitesse v Ajax at the GelreDome on September 2, 2018 in Arnhem Netherlands

Tottenham Hotspur fans were obviously left feeling rather underwhelmed when the transfer window shut and there was not a single new face in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

But, barring the 2-1 defeat Watford on Sunday afternoon, it has been an impressive start to the season from Spurs nonetheless. Yet there remains a nagging feeling that they have missed their chance to add some much needed depth to the squad in a summer where Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all strengthened again.

It did not take an award winning psychologist to work out that Pochettino was unhappy with the lack of transfer activity.

But Tottenham can sate the frustrations of their manager, and many of the fans, by making a move for Frenkie de Jong in 2019.

Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United and Frenkie de Jong of Ajax battle for possession during the UEFA Europa League Final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24,...

De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona all summer but is set for one final season at Ajax. And The Express claim that Spurs are set to scout the 21-year-old midfielder over the next few months before deciding whether to rival Barca for his £40 million-rated signature.

De Jong, who tallied seven assists in 16 league starts last season, is still young and therefore would perhaps be seen as one for the future rather than someone capable of immediately improving Pochettino’s starting XI.

But beating Barcelona and paying £40 million would still represent a hefty statement of intent – one that would earn Daniel Levy some credit with those inside and outside the club.

Ajax's Frenkie de Jong vies for the ball with Vitesse's Matus Bero (R) during the Dutch eredivisie match between Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax Amsterdam in Arnhem on September 2, 2018. (Photo by...