Paper round-up: Tottenham reportedly joined by Man Utd in pursuit of Dutch youngster

Manchester United have joined Tottenham in a pursuit of Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong, The Sun say.

Spurs have been linked with the 22-year-old Netherlands international and been tipped to make a move for him when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Sun say United had scouts watching him against France earlier this month and that the Old Trafford club are interested in signing him.

The newspaper declare that United boss Jose Mourinho “is a huge admirer” of De Jong, who can play in defence as well as midfield.

‘An Old Trafford source’ is quoted as saying: “The club decided to take a look at him as they have been getting rave reviews from elsewhere.

“Jose and the staff like the look of him. He can play in a few different roles and he looks comfortable wherever, which is a big plus.

“The scouts were already sure he is the real deal but his display against France only intensified that belief even further.

“He is a top class talent and it is clear to see why so many of the big teams in the Premier League and around Europe want him.”

The Sun have also picked up on reports in Germany that Arsenal and United are both keen on Hertha Berlin midfielder Arne Maier.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere has been left fuming after a loose screw in his ankle caused another injury lay-off, again according to The Sun.

© Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Wilshere is said to be unhappy that a procedure apparently not being performed properly means the West Ham midfielder faces six weeks on the sidelines.

The Hammers say his latest operation has been a success, but manager Manuel Pellegrini has subsequently admitted that Wilshere is “very upset” by his latest setback.

And The Guardian reports that Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha believes he was not given adequate support by Manchester United during his spell there.

It comes after he told ShortList: “There were rumours that the reason I wasn’t playing for United was because I slept with David Moyes’s daughter, and no one attempted to clear that up. So I was fighting my demons by myself, these rumours that I knew weren’t true.

“I was dealing with this at 19; living in Manchester by myself, nowhere near anyone else, because the club had a hold over where I lived.

“They hadn’t given me a car, like every other player. Nothing. I’m living in this hell by myself, away from my family, and I thought: ‘If this doesn’t make me stronger, what will?’

“When I was at United I had money but I was still so down and depressed. People think your life’s different because you’ve got money, you’ve got fame, so they don’t treat you the same.”