Frenkie de Jong Indicates He's Appealed By The Prospect Of Moving To Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United

Frenkie de Jong has indicated that a move to Manchester United appeals to him, according to reports.

From the very day that De Jong has been linked concretely to Manchester United, which would be for about a month now, the lingering question or caveat has been the will of the player to make the switch to Old Trafford - especially because of United finishing outside Champions League spots for next season.

James Ducker of Telegraph Sport mentioned about a month ago that although United were holding talks with Barcelona and Frenkie's representatives, the player would prefer to join a club which could offer Champions League football. 

The aforementioned report also mentioned that Manchester City had distanced themselves from a move for the player, which was significant given they had been touted as a very realistic destination for him as of then.

Despite his preference of playing in the Champions League, Rob Dawson had reported that United had not completely ruled out a move for the player despite that factor.

Further down the line, the reliable Oriol Domenech said that Erik ten Hag had called Frenkie de Jong several times to convince him of a move to United.

Frenkie de Jong with Erik ten Hag at Ajax (Alamy)

He mentioned that while the player was reluctant initially due to the Champions League factor, he became more open to a move and took a closer look at the operation once the manager started explaining his project.

However, he still stated that the player was closer to staying at Barcelona than moving as of then.

In a very significant turn since, Laurie Whitwell's latest report mentioned that Frenkie de Jong has given private indication that a move to Old Trafford appeals to him - something which hasn't been particularly stated since a move's been mooted, not by a source as reliable anyway.

He goes on to mention that the issue as of now which is holding back the move has been Barcelona demanding the amount they have for the player - which is around €80 million (£68m).

It has been said that United aren't very open to straightway paying that asking price given Barcelona's financial condition, although negotiations are underway.

Interestingly, Luis Rojo of Marca reported two days ago that United had indeed made a proposal of a €60m (£51m) fixed amount and €20m (£17m) in variables for Frenkie to Barcelona - the offer was said to be close to their claims and something they were seriously studying.

Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona is Erik ten Hag's priority target at Manchester United

He also mentioned how Erik ten Hag had spoken to the player and told him how his entire game would revolve around the player being a reference point in midfield.

These reports, however, were denied in a way by Fernando Polo of Mundo Deportivo, who mentioned that Barcelona hadn't received a firm proposal for the player.

Although, he did go on to mention that the player's agent, Ali Dursun, was scheduled to arrive at Barcelona in the next few days.

It was also said that the player is no longer being seen as a priority footballer for the club next season, increasing chances of a move.

M.Carmen Torres of Marca, however, seemed to double down upon the proposal Luis Rojo had mentioned - adding that Barcelona assume that no similar proposal will come in for any other player of theirs and consider that the offer is too important to turn down.

Whatever be the case, it doesn't seem like much of the media as of now is talking about United's proposal to Barcelona and it's details, although that's subject to change.

One would not be wrong to hope that a stumbling block on the fee agreement side of things is ultimately removed given Barcelona's need to sell, Erik ten Hag's strong desire to have the player at United, and now the will of the player to move as well.