The Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United saga continued on Tuesday, June 14, with the man in question hounded by the media at every opportunity possible for his two cents on the reported transfer negotiations.
This time, the reporters got the classy central midfielder in Rotterdam after the Netherlands pulled off a dramatic last minute 3-2 victory against Wales – thanks to former Red, Memphis Depay, who converted from the spot.
After the final whistle, de Jong probably gave journalists and fans the most they will ever get out of him about a potential move to the red side of Manchester until he is – if ever – holding up the famous shirt.
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De Jong said: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player, but I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment. I feel fine there, so no news.”
While many will undoubtedly read too deeply into that audible, it is about as much as the Dutch midfield general can say without tilting a potential deal in United’s favour – causing his current employers to lose out on extra money.
Earlier this week, The Mirror’s Simon Mullock reported that talks between United and Barcelona are moving along swiftly and that the player was advised not to speak on the move.
Also on Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano reported that de Jong is “calm” and “waiting” on his future to be resolved but that Barca were holding out for no less than €85 million (£73 million), in guaranteed compensation.
Naturally, United are trying to bargain that down as well as figure out a payment structure that suits them.
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Last we heard, United had an initial bid of £60 million turned down by the Spanish giants, so you would figure there is still a way to go until an eventual agreement could be reached.
From the outside looking in, it feels as though it wouldn’t have taken too long for negotiations between the two clubs to get stuck between a rock and a hard place.
While the whole world knows of Barcelona’s financial issues, they are just as aware of United’s desperation to bolster their midfield ahead of the new season.
It would be along the lines of a nightmare scenario if United sent new boss Erik ten Hag into the new season with the current midfield options, minus the departing Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.
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There is every chance that is a part of Barcelona’s negotiation tactic.
With that said, United have also been linked with the free agent acquisition of Danish star Christian Eriksen.
The Old Trafford side were once interested in the Dane when he was still in the north side of London and the interest has been reignited after the playmaker's excellent spell at Brentford.
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Eriksen too would be an exciting addition to United’s creation department following the exit of Juan Mata.
The former Tottenham and Inter man was coy on the move during his international duty, explaining that he has plenty of options and ideally would like to play Champions League football – albeit that would not be a deal breaker, leaving United in with a chance.
Signing de Jong and Eriksen – two former Ajax players – would be a statement of intent from United and an impressive revamp to a midfield that looked awfully stagnant as recently as the last week of May. But for that to become reality, John Murtough and co. have their work cut out for them.
Featured Image Credit: Football DailyTopics: Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Christian Eriksen, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona