Manchester United close to agreeing terms with Barcelona over midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United are inching towards a conclusion in their protracted pursuit of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona and hope to have the transfer completed this week. 

United are thought to have made an improved bid for the midfielder after their initial offer of £60m was turned down as Barca did not want to make a loss on a player they had signed for £65m from Ajax.

Erik ten Hag‘s side is thought to have now made an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Barcelona want to at least break even on him.

Frenkie de Jong was initially sceptical about leaving Barcelona but was persuaded by Xavi

De Jong was initially reluctant to leave Barcelona, but has been persuaded by managers at both ends of the deal that joining United would be a good move.

Ten Hag worked with the Dutch midfielder at Ajax from 2017-19, where the pair won the domestic double and reached a Champions League semi final in 2019.

He could be joined by a host of other Ajax stars, with Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico also linked with moves to Old Trafford.

New United boss Erik ten Hag won the domestic double with de Jong in their time at Ajax

Christian Eriksen is another name closely linked with United, and ten Hag is also looking to sign a centre back and backup goalkeeper. 

The Red Devils will be keen to confirm their first summer transfer after missing out on Darwin Nunes to Liverpool and seemingly being snubbed by Jurrien Timber.

Having already lost Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, United will need to strengthen considerably if they are to improve on their dire 2021/2 season.