English Premier League giants Manchester United are still in talks with Barcelona over the signing of their midfielder Frenkie de Jong as both clubs look to agree on a transfer fee this summer.
The Red Devils are keen to bring in a new midfielder and Frenkie de Jong is Erik ten Hag’s top transfer target. Erik ten Hag joined Manchester United from Ajax and he’s working to improve his team ahead of next season.
According to multiple sources, the Red Devils are ready to improve their offer for the Barcelona midfielder to around €70 million-plus add-ons. The add-ons would increase the offer to €80 million to tempt Barcelona to sell the player.
However, the Spanish giants are asking for €85 million before they can release the midfielder but Man United believe that a new bid of €80 million will get the job done.
Barcelona are currently having a financial crisis and are looking to offload some players to reduce their expenses and give room for them to sign new players.
They have already dismissed Dani Alves and more players could leave the Camp Nou this summer. However, Frenkie de Jong has revealed that he’s happy to continue playing for Barça but the financial issues in the club might push them to sell him.
On the other hand, United have agreed to pay De Jong a remuneration package equivalent to what he makes at Barcelona, and personal terms will not be an issue once a fee has been agreed upon.
United are encouraged by the fact that they are aware that the player wishes to join them, as Ten Hag has stated behind closed doors in recent days. If the move goes through, De Jong will become one of United’s highest-paid players, earning about £350,000 per week, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea in the club’s wage structure.
United is yet to confirm any summer signings, but they are hoping to complete De Jong’s transfer as quickly as possible before moving on to other targets. Manchester United have reached out to Denmark star player Christian Eriksen and are hopeful he will join them even though Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing him.
The Red Devils are also interested in Ajax forward Antony and defender Jurrien Timber – though Antony wants to stay at Ajax ahead of the World Cup in November. Pau Torres from Villarreal is among their targets and another Ajax defender, Lisandro Martinez, is also of interest.
