Manchester United are reportedly considering making an improved offer of €70 million, plus add-ons for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United are pondering about returning with an improved offer for Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong after seeing their initial offer get knocked back.
Frenkie de Jong has emerged as the top transfer target for Manchester United this summer, with new manager Erik ten Hag seeing him as the ideal player to reinforce the midfield. Having lost Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, the Red Devils are left with just Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek as the senior options in the centre of the park.
So, a new top-quality signing in the midfield department is of paramount importance, with ten Hag and Manchester United zeroing in on de Jong as their primary option. Talks with Barcelona have been underway since last month, with the Premier League giants even launching an opening offer to secure the Dutchman’s services.
However, Manchester United’s opening offer, believed to be around €60 million, plus add-ons, was shot down by Barcelona. The report states that the Blaugrana are seeking as much as €85 million for the 25-year-old, who still has plenty of time left on his contract with the Catalan giants.
But, it is claimed that Manchester United are confident that Barcelona will lower their valuation of de Jong due to their financial situation, which will compel them to cash in on the former AFC Ajax star and get rid of his massive salary from their wage bill. So, the Red Devils are now contemplating an improved offer for the midfielder.
As per the report, Manchester United are likely to return with a bid of €70 million, plus add-ons, hoping that it will convince Barcelona to part ways with de Jong. However, the midfielder has, time and again, reiterated his desire to stay put at Camp Nou. On top of that, the lack of UEFA Champions League football at Old Trafford could also play a factor in his decision.
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Furthermore, Manchester United might face competition from neigjbours Manchester City in pursuit of de Jong, which could create more complications for ten Hag. With all their rivals already making inroads into the transfer market, Manchester United must ramp up their transfer activities or risk being left behind yet again.
