Speaking on HaytersTV transfer guru David Ornstein has said that he believes that Manchester United will ultimately land their marquee signing Frenkie De Jong this summer.
The Red Devils seemingly never-ending pursuit of the Dutch dynamo looks set to rumble on as the players start to return to pre-season training.
Barcelona look to be holding the transfer window to ransom at present with plenty of incomings and outgoings depending on their current financial crisis.
The biggest departure of which involves United and Erik ten Hag’s desire for a reunion with his once Ajax midfield metronome De Jong.
The Old Trafford giants have already saw an initial approach of €60m plus €10m in add-ons (£60m) rebuffed by the Catalans who are thought to be seeking €80m (£68.6m).
Ornstein has warned supporters that this saga will be long-winded but the journalist admitted that he does expect a deal to materialise.
Do you see De Jong leaving Barcelona for Man Utd?
Yes
No
“It’s a game of poker but his sale does hold the key to Barcelona being able to do the business that they want and that makes me think that in the end Erik ten Hag is more likely than not to get his man but it’s not guaranteed.”
TIF Thoughts on De Jong and United…
Will United make the top four next season?
Yes
No
With Barca’s ‘terminal’ financial crisis intervening heavily, United do indeed ‘hold the key’ to the Blaugrana’s transfer plans.
Mundo Deportivo have pointed out that their pursuit of Raphinha is weakening as a result of their financial plight threatening a potential deal.
The report suggests that Barca would favour a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski but with his £329k-per-week contract not up until the end of next season it will require significant investment and that is where United can come in.
If Barcelona could recoup close to the £65m figure they paid for the 43-capped international then surely they would allow him to levee and given United’s opening offer a deal doesn’t seem that far away from being struck and it could end in elation for ten Hag.