Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The midfielder is valued at £72.4m by the Spanish giants, and United have indicated they are willing to do business.
The Catalan club have struggled financially in recent seasons, meaning the sale of the Dutchman will boost their plans of getting in new signings in the summer.
Manchester United have opened direct talks with Barça for Frenkie de Jong. Price tag around €85m, waiting for opening bid. 🚨 #MUFC
De Jong is still not convinced to leave Barça and he wants UCL football – Man Utd will try to push again as Barça need to solve financial issues. pic.twitter.com/jT18D37sPK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2022
The 25-year-old has worked under Erik ten Hag, who took over the club this past week, for two seasons at Ajax that ended with the 2018-19 Eredivisie title and a run to the Champions League semi-finals.
Ten Hag will be hoping their working relationship will play a role in convincing the midfielder to join the Manchester club.
United’s lack of Champions League football could prove a major stumbling block in the chase for the youngster, especially if other teams will be interested.
With Paul Pogba leaving United, a marquee signing will be top of Ten Hag’s list of players this season.