Manchester United Reject Barcelona Harry Maguire Bid As Part Of Frenkie De Jong Deal

Manchester United have rejected a bid from Barcelona to take Harry Maguire as part of a deal to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford. 

The Catalan club is said to be interested in adding Maguire to their ranks this summer. According to The Sun, Barcelona were looking to see if United would include the Englishman in a deal to bring De Jong to Erik ten Hag's side.

The £80 million centre back endured a torrid 21/22 season, his performances were heavily scrutinised as United finished in a dismal sixth place, collecting the club’s lowest ever Premier League points tally. 

However, United are reluctant to part ways with their club captain as new boss Ten Hag is keen to work with him. 

De Jong is said to be closing in on a move to England in a straight cash deal with Barcelona holding out for a fee in the region of £69 million. 

There has been long standing interests in De Jong but a deal has taken much longer than expected to materialise, with a deal now seemingly inching ever closer, this is a timely lift for Ten Hag. 

The Dutch manager coached De Jong during the pair’s time together in the Eredivisie with Ajax, it has been reported that Ten Hag is keen to build his team around the midfielder, with the Barcelona man seen as an integral part of the new manager’s plans for the future. 

The Old Trafford club is also said to be interested in signing Ajax winger Antony, the Dutch champions are looking for a fee of around £68 million, which is more than what United are prepared to pay. 

United are also hopeful that they can successfully persuade free agent Christian Eriksen to join the club, the Danish international is currently a free agent after his short term deal with Brentford expired at the end of the 21/22 season. The former Spurs and Inter Milan midfielder is currently mulling over offers from both United and Brentford. 

Ten Hag is about to meet his new players for the first time as United are set to start pre season training on Monday. With the club commencing their preparations before heading for a tour of Thailand and Australia at the end of next week. 

Ten Hag will be hoping to build a squad that is capable of challenging the top four places in the new season.