Manchester United will ward off any transfer interest in midfielder Scott McTominay – despite the impending signing of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
The Scottish star was a regular member of interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s midfield last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions.
And according to The Times, new manager Erik ten Hag considers McTominay ‘pivotal’ to his rebuild at the club.
Several central midfielders have left Old Trafford this summer, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic – plus Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, who can also play centrally – leaving on free transfers at the end of their contract.
McTominay is one of the few central players left at the club, alongside Brazilian Fred, Donny van de Beek, potentially youth player James Garner and now de Jong.
Sportsmail reported on Tuesday that a £70million move for Barca playmaker de Jong is 90 per cent complete.
But that signing seemingly won’t affect the 25-year-old McTominay’s standing in the squad.
The Times report Newcastle and another Premier League club made enquiries about the 34-cap international’s availability earlier this summer.
But ten Hag has made it clear the club will resist any offers for McTominay, who is contracted until 2025 and has made 170 appearances in all competitions since making his debut in May 2017.
And McTominay looks ready to impress in the new campaign after bulking up significantly over the summer.
He took to social media to share a picture of himself during a late-night session alongside two friends, with social media users left impressed. In the photo, McTominay is standing topless, showing off his rippling muscles.
His condition suggests he has spent time working hard on his physicality in recent weeks, an attribute that may see him remain a key player under ten Hag.