Manchester United were unsuccessful with their initial bid to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, but this was not a total surprise as they prepare for an improved offer.
Manchester United are preparing an improved bid for Frenkie de Jong (
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Manchester United have received a £ 60m bid for Frenkie de Jong for Barcelona.
United made the initial offer knowing that Barça will probably reject it and are ready to return with an improved offer. United’s new coach Erik ten Hag wants to make his former Ajax midfielder De Jong his first signing at Old Trafford.
De Jong was initially reluctant to meet with Ten Hag at United due to his inability to offer him Champions League football. But the 25-year-old knows how eager Barça is to unload him to raise funds to strengthen his team and is now ready to leave the Camp Nou.
Personal terms will not be an issue for United and De Jong, who are expected to become the first signing of Ten Hag once a commitment deal with Barça can be agreed.
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The Dutch international leaving Catalonia could pave the way for the Spanish giants to put Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. Xavi is a big fan of the Portuguese player, but his side with difficulties in cash will have to raise funds selling players to get the transfer.
Like De Jong, Silva is valued at £ 75m for his club and was on the verge of leaving City last summer amid interest from Atletico Madrid. The 27-year-old was disillusioned with life in England during the coronavirus pandemic and wanted to get away.
However, Pep Guardiola convinced him to stay at City and this turned out to be a masterstroke, as the player’s contributions to a fourth Premier League title in five seasons were vital. However, Silva is open to a new adventure as he approaches the last three years of his contract at the Etihad.
Frenkie de Jong and Erik ten Hag were colleagues at Ajax (
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What is the maximum amount Manchester United should make to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer? Have your say in the comments!
De Jong, meanwhile, has four years left on his contract with Barça after signing a long-term extension in 2020. He played a total of 46 appearances in all competitions last season, starting 30 games. League while Xavi’s men finished second after bitter rivals. Real Madrid by 13 points.
His possible departure is the key for Barça to try to sign Silva, but it seems that United will have to increase their offer so that any transfer can be made. Ten Hag are desperate to bolster their new team’s midfield before the new season, as this was a problematic position last season and has only weakened with many players leaving Old Trafford, including Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.
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