‘Talks ongoing’ to bring £103m star to Old Trafford

Manchester United‘s talks with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong are “ongoing”, says Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Dutchman is thought to be a key target for Erik ten Hag this summer as the new United manager looks to improve his options in the middle of the park.

What is the latest transfer news involving United?

United are desperate to strengthen in midfield and are targeting the likes of De Jong and Christian Eriksen as a result.

According to The Telegraph, they have already offered a deal to the Brentford playmaker, who is a free agent this month, while multiple outlets have named the Barcelona star as a player of interest to Ten Hag.

Last week, The Guardian reported that United had seen a bid in the region of £60m turned down for De Jong.

However, a deal looks far from dead, with the newspaper claiming Barcelona could be willing to do business at around £72m.

Barca agree De Jong transfer!? Hear more on The Football Terrace…

What has Sheth said about De Jong and United?

Sheth has told GIVEMESPORT that United and Barcelona are still in talks over De Jong, but neither party wants to give much away.

Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports reporter said: “Talks, I’m told, are ongoing between the two clubs, but this is the shadow-boxing period of the transfer window, I like to call it, in that Barcelona will say all the right things. ‘We’re happy with Frenkie de Jong; we don’t want him to leave.’

“De Jong’s camp may say he’s happy at Barcelona, and Manchester United won’t give anything away. It’s not in Barcelona’s interest to say, ‘We’re prepared to sell Frenkie de Jong’ because they want to get the biggest price that they can.”

When could United sign De Jong?

While there is still clearly some negotiating to do, it would not be a surprise if United managed to wrap up a deal soon.

Barcelona will not want things to drag on for too long, as they know that they are in a situation where they may need to sell De Jong, who is valued at around £103m by the CIES Football Observatory, to generate funds to buy players this summer.

Because of the club’s financial situation, the Netherlands international being sold is something manager Xavi has already hinted at.

“He is a fundamental footballer but then there is the economic situation, on which we all depend,” the Barcelona boss said last month.

There is no doubt that United are trying to take advantage of that as they look to lure De Jong to Old Trafford.

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