Ten Hag now ‘doing everything’ to sign £395k-a-week ace at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is ‘pushing’ to seal a big-money deal which would result in being reunited with Frenkie de Jong after making the midfielder a ‘priority’ signing at Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Ten Hag is still looking to complete his first acquisition since taking over as the Red Devils’ manager following the conclusion of last season, but de Jong is firmly in his sights with the Daily Star previously reporting that United are willing to offer him a whopping £395,000-a-week salary.

What’s the latest news involving de Jong?

Manchester United upped the ante in their pursuit of de Jong when they lodged a bid worth £51.3million, plus add-ons, earlier this month.

Although that proposal was turned down by Barcelona, that has not stopped the Red Devils in their efforts to seal a deal for the defensive midfielder, whose £164,000-per-week Nou Camp contract still has four years to run.

Manchester United are understood to be confident that de Jong’s current employers will lower their £73million asking price due to their current financial predicament.

It initially appeared a move to Old Trafford was not on the cards due to de Jong reportedly prioritising a switch to a club competing in the Champions League if he were to depart Barcelona.

However, the 25-year-old, described as being at a “different level” by Rafael van der Vaart, is now interested in heading to the Premier League after being persuaded by new Manchester United chief ten Hag that his future lies with the Red Devils.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about de Jong?

Romano has confirmed Manchester United and Barcelona have been involved in discussions over de Jong’s future.

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The transfer guru understands ten Hag is desperate to lure the 43-cap Netherlands star to the red half of Manchester and, as a result, a fresh offer is in the offing.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “The two clubs are in touch. I’m sure that Manchester United are still thinking of Frenkie as their priority and I’m sure that Erik ten Hag is trying every single way to get this deal done, so Manchester United are pushing on this Frenkie de Jong deal.

“Now it’s also up to them to make a new proposal to continue in this negotiation with Barcelona.”

How could ten Hag persuade de Jong to join?

Ten Hag is in need of midfield reinforcements as the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata will be ending their respective Manchester United careers when their contracts expire at the end of the month.

De Jong could be the perfect answer as he is someone he knows well, having selected him 59 times during his Ajax reign.

The Dutchman’s form under ten Hag was the reason for being able to seal a £65million transfer to Barcelona in 2019, so a reunion could pay off for all parties.

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