£72m star now ‘being offered to clubs’ amid Old Trafford links

Manchester United could still win their battle to welcome Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford as Barcelona are ‘offering him to clubs’ behind the scenes, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Erik ten Hag is in the process of rebuilding the squad he inherited following his summer appointment but, with the new season less than two weeks away, the Dutchman has failed in his attempts to lure de Jong to the Premier League.

What’s the latest news involving de Jong?

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that offers for de Jong have been rejected while the club tries to decipher the central midfielder’s plans.

The development comes after it had been reported that Manchester United had agreed an initial fee of £63million with the La Liga giants, while the value of the deal could increase to £72million after add-ons.

However, it is understood that Barcelona are still refusing to pay the £14.2million owed to de Jong following the restructuring of his contract, leading to further uncertainty over where his future lies.

Manchester United have suffered a further setback in their pursuit as Spanish sources have claimed that the 25-year-old is only willing to join Chelsea if he leaves the Nou Camp ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

It was previously revealed that de Jong’s preference is to remain at Barcelona, while he would only consider a switch to a club competing in the Champions League if he is forced to move onto pastures new.

What has Ben Jacobs said about de Jong?

Jacobs believes Barcelona are giving out mixed messages over the availability of de Jong, who is equally confused with the start of the new season rapidly approaching.

The journalist understands the 44-cap Netherlands international is on the market despite Laporta’s claims to the contrary.

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “Barcelona are playing everybody – Manchester United, other suitors and even de Jong. This is the kind of problem with trying to get clarity on what might happen.

“Publicly, Barcelona say he is not for sale. Privately, they’re offering him to clubs. Publicly, de Jong says he wants to stay at Barcelona. Privately, he fears that he might be forced out.”

Why are Manchester United still chasing de Jong?

Although Christian Eriksen has arrived at Old Trafford after agreeing to a move following the expiry of his Brentford contract, the Dane is a different type of midfielder to de Jong.

The Dutchman would be more of a presence shielding the back four, rather than looking to create goalscoring chances, and ten Hag is keen to add further reinforcements after inheriting a squad which fell 13 points adrift of Champions League qualification last season.

Bringing in stars he knows well and can trust could be the way forward and de Jong certainly fits into that category, having featured on 59 occasions during their time together at Ajax.

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