Man Utd issue De Jong ultimatum; Arsenal plan Zinchenko swoop; West Ham consider Soucek sale
Manchester United have opened talks with Barcelona regarding a summer transfer deal for Frenkie de Jong, per reports. The Netherlands international said on Tuesday that he'd love to stay at the Nou Camp. However, with the La Liga giants needing a financial boost, a move to Old Trafford could still happen.
Manchester United want to sign a new midfielder this summer, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both primed to leave.
Their interest in De Jong has been known for some time, now, with the 25-year-old previously playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
And, now, Fabrizio Romano has revealed United have opened talks with Barcelona over a summer transfer.
Writing on Twitter, he said: “Manchester United have opened direct talks with Barca for Frenkie de Jong.
“Price tag around €85m, waiting for opening bid. De Jong is still not convinced to leave Barca and he wants UCL football - Man Utd will try to push again as Barca need to solve financial issues.”
Manchester United are keen on signing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong (Image: GETTY)
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Barcelona are hoping to sign Robert Lewandowski this summer, with the Bayern Munich hitman eager to leave the Allianz Arena for a new challenge elsewhere. And that’s why De Jong could be sold.
Barcelona paid £65million for the midfielder back in the summer transfer window of 2019.
However, he’s often struggled for consistency under the likes of Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien, Ronald Koeman and Xavi.
Whether United will be able to land De Jong remains to be seen, especially without Champions League football on the table.
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Man Utd will have to spend big in order to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong (Image: GETTY)
Yet Liverpool legend John Barnes said earlier in the season that De Jong would be a good addition to United if Pogba goes.
“Frenkie de Jong would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United,” Barnes told BonusCodeBets. “It looks like Paul Pogba is on his way out of the club so bringing in a replacement for him is very important.
“Especially if that person is a young and talented player who will get the opportunity to be one of the main players at the club.
“He has everything in terms of passing range, intensity and a great attitude. It’s exactly what Manchester United need in midfield.
“That was their plan with Donny van de Beek, but of course he’s been stifled by other players in his position playing better than him.
“However, bringing De Jong in and putting him straight into the side and being trusted would be good for both Manchester United and him.”