Frenkie De Jong is ‘one step away’ from joining Manchester United with a reported bid of €60 million (£51m) + €20m (£17m) in variables being considered by FC Barcelona, according to reports.
Marca journalist M. Carmen Torres has reported that the Catalan club believe the supposed offer made by United is ‘too important not to accept’.
The Reds have been rumoured to be interested in the midfielder for well over a month now, since a report from journalist Gerard Romero last month, claimed the deal was 95% going to happen.
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The lack of Champions League football is believed to be an issue for the 25-year-old midfielder, but Erik ten Hag is trying to convince the midfielder to make the switch from the Nou Camp to Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has had a difficult time in Barcelona, but last season the midfielder made 32 appearances with three goals and three assists in La Liga.
Barcelona’s money troubles, which is public knowledge, has led to De Jong being rumoured to be heading for the exit door and the Spanish side need to recoup some funds in the hopes of luring their targets to the Nou Camp.
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United hope the offer will assuage Barcelona’s fears of a lack of cash and hand Erik ten Hag his ideal midfield target for a decent price too.
The major stumbling block remains United’s inability to offer Champions League football, something Barcelona can offer having finished second, 13 points behind La Liga winners Real Madrid.
Having seemingly missed out on Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who seems to be heading to Anfield to play under Jurgen Klopp’s tutelage, this may be the time to pull the trigger on the De Jong deal.
United will have to shift their attention to other forward targets, and with an exorbitant fee for the forward being rumoured, United may have money to spare for De Jong.
With a rumoured budget of £120 million for the Old Trafford side, United may have to be smart with their targets this summer, the fact remains De Jong is the number one priority.
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United will have just two viable pivot players after both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba leave the club for free at the end of the month.
De Jong would be perfect for the manager who utilised him best when they were together at Ajax, but United need to buy another midfielder alongside the Dutchman.
Whether the reported fee presented to Juan Laporta’s doorstep is enough, only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Frenkie De Jong, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Barcelona