Manchester United are trying everything they can to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The Lowdown: De Jong linked with United
The 24-year-old Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, in what would be a reunion with Erik ten Hag for the former Ajax midfielder.
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Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that contact has been made between United and Barcelona regarding De Jong. Reports elsewhere have suggested that the Spanish giants would want a fee in the region of £85m, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also name-checked with an interest.
The Latest: Plettenberg’s update on De Jong
Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on United’s pursuit of De Jong after receiving information from ‘close sources’.
He claimed that Ten Hag ‘wants’ the midfielder and that the Red Devils are ‘trying everything’ in regards to a move. Talks have taken place and United are ‘verifying the financial package’, although Barcelona manager Xavi doesn’t want to lose the 25-year-old.
The Verdict: Promising signs
Romano previously stated that Barcelona’s financial situation may have an impact on the midfielder’s future. Therefore, United appear to be well placed when it comes to a possible move for De Jong after already holding talks and doing everything they can to get a transfer in place.
The Red Devils won’t be able to offer Champions League football next season whereas Manchester City and PSG can, but they may still have a few factors in their favour.
The pull of working under Ten Hag once again, the prospect of regular game-time with Paul Pogba seemingly on the way out and being a key figure in an Old Trafford rebuild could be enough to persuade De Jong to move to the red side of Manchester.
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