Manchester United are willing to make an "irrefutable offer" to Barcelona in order to attempt to reunite Erik ten Hag and Frenkie de Jong at Old Trafford, according to reports from Spain.
The 25-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester ever since his previous manager at Ajax was appointed as the man to turn the club's fortunes around.
His time at the Camp Nou has not been what he hoped when he moved from the Netherlands in 2019, but it is ultimately his dream club and it will be difficult for Ten Hag to pry him away.
Advert
While United need another midfielder alongside De Jong, his potential signing would be a huge boost for a Manchester United midfield that is deflated for quality.
A report from Javier Miguel has stated that due to the situation at Barcelona, with the club in financial issues and De Jong a highly valued player, United are willing to make an "irrefutable offer" for the Dutchman. This would be valued very seriously by the heads at the Spanish club.
Most recently impressing for his national side in a 4-1 victory against Belgium, De Jong has proved that he can be the difference maker in midfield when he is operating in a role that suits his playstyle.
Advert
"Frenkie de Jong always plays good at the National Team. Here we try to play him to his strengths." Louis van Gaal told NOS after the game, as translated by TheEuropeanLad.
The midfielder played his best football under Ten Hag in Amsterdam and with United keen on completing a deal, he could potentially play his best football again. This time in England.
A possible deal for De Jong has been reported by the Daily Mail to be around the £70 million margin, that is a figure that club bosses at the club would be happy accepting.
However, a clear potential hurdle is the demotion to the Europa League for a second season in a row for the Dutchman.
Advert
Entering his prime years, it is not ideal for him to be playing second-standard European football for two years running. De Jong is reluctant to leave for a club without Champions League status.
United will hope that he will be able to be persuaded by his former manager. Ten Hag can sell him a project that has him at the heart of, something he will not be guaranteed in Spain with young talents Gavi and Pedri outshining the Dutchman over the last season.
He would be the key man at Old Trafford with Paul Pogba departing. United need a player with quality in the middle of midfield in order to start competing, and there aren't many with more talent than De Jong.
Advert
As the transfer window approaches, there will be more stories involving Erik ten Hag's United. After all, the club have already announced five departures this summer. Incomings are inevitable.
Here's hoping that one of those will be the talented Dutch midfielder.
Topics: Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona
Cain Smith