Manchester United will step up their attempts this week to complete a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with former Ajax midfielder De Jong in the Premier League, and De Jong has emerged as the club’s top transfer target.
United has already had a verbal offer for the Netherlands international rejected, but they are expected to make a better offer this week.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are preparing to make a second approach for De Jong, who has been assured of a key role in Ten Hag’s team following a rocky period with Barcelona.
More on Frenkie de Jong situation. Manchester Utd feel direct talks next week will be really important – with a fresh bid being considered. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC
Barça sources are also expecting Manchester United to submit a new proposal soon. ⤵️ https://t.co/0mTIYWkrf3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2022
The 25-year-old was a key member of the Ajax team that reached the Champions League semi-finals under Ten Hag last season. But he has failed to replicate his best form in Catalonia, where Sergio Busquets plays in his preferred place at the defensive midfield position.
Ten Hag is said to have told De Jong that he will build his team around him, and the Red Devils will now try to reach an agreement with Barcelona on a fee.
The Spanish club is willing to let him go in order to collect finances for their summer activities, but they want to repay the €75 million they spent on De Jong in 2019.
Christian Eriksen, who will become a free agent this summer, is also a target for United. Since returning to football and signing a six-month agreement with the Bees, the Denmark international has thrived.
He is said to have received offers from Brentford, Manchester United, and his former club Tottenham Hotspur.
