Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United are obsessive over Frenkie de Jong and will make a fresh bid in the near future.
The Red Devils look to have missed out on the signing of Porto midfielder Vitinha, with Paris Saint-Germain swooping instead, but manager Erik ten Hag was supposedly happy for this to happen, with his eyes thought to be on the Barcelona man instead.
It’s long been known that United have been linked with a move for De Jong, but it looks as though things could accelerate over the coming days.
Indeed, according to Romano, the Premier League club look likely to ‘improve their bid’ to be somewhere closer to Barca’s €85m (£73m) estimation of the player.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said: “The feeling is that something could be really important to understand next week, because Manchester United, internally, are prepared to decide on a new potential bid for Frenkie de Jong.
“The opening proposal 10 days ago was a variable one – €60m plus €10m turned down by Barcelona. They want €85m guaranteed for Frenkie, I always told you about it. But now, Manchester United are really considering to improve their bid and to submit, so a new proposal for Frenkie de Jong.
“They want him. They are obsessive, in a positive way, for Frenkie de Jong.
“I told you many times that it is, of course, Erik ten Hag, who wants him, who is trying to push for this deal. But also into the board, they feel that this Frenkie de Jong deal could be a statement – more than a signing, would be the message from Manchester United: we are able to find top players even if we are not in the Champions League for this season.”
TIF Thoughts on Frenkie de Jong and Man United…
De Jong played 59 times under Ten Hag in the past at Ajax, so the new United boss will have a good idea of just how much quality the player possesses. And if he is really pushing for a deal, the club’s board may be best off giving him what he wants as he looks to guide the club toward success.
Will Man United agree to sign Frenkie de Jong this week?
Yes
No
Having won silverware in Spain and the Netherlands already in his career, the midfielder may well be able to help the Red Devils win trophies over in England if he does arrive.
No doubt, that sort of impact will be expected on the 25-year-old if United do end up paying the reported figure in the region of £73m to acquire his services.
By the sounds of it, fans could expect to see movement on this potential deal in the coming days – so it’s certainly something to keep an eye out for.