The Manchester United manager is increasingly confident that he will get his top transfer target, Frenkie de Jong, this summer.
What transfer negotiations are underway?
The Red Devils are close to an agreement with Barcelona for the Dutch footballer. There is growing confidence that a deal will be reached for the Netherlands by an international one, with Man Utd convinced that the Catalan giants want to sell. A compromise fee of around £69m with add-ons could prove a breakthrough for the Manchester United manager’s first signing of the summer, easing mounting pressure on chief executive Richard Arnold.
Man Utd are believed to have already seen one £51m bid for the midfielder rejected, with Barça holding on closer to £86m. A compromise between £64-73m could see a deal struck between the two parties. Since then, further talks have taken place and the United States has become increasingly optimistic that it will get its player. While an agreement has yet to be formally reached, sources close to the talks say talks are moving forward.
Frenkie de Jong is the player that Ten Hag wants
The ex-Ajax player is seen as key to the system that Erik ten Hag wants to implement at Man Utd. Frenkie de Jong is a player who can pick up the ball in deep positions and carry it forward, which is an essential trait in a head coach.
While Old Trafford management insist they won’t overpay and look at alternative targets, it’s clear Frenkie is the player their new head coach wants above all others, having worked with him at Ajax before the midfielder’s move to Barça in 2019. While the Dutchman had reservations about leaving Camp Nou, there is optimism at Man Utd that he will welcome a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd looking to secure multiple signings this summer
The deal for the Dutchman should pave the way for a slew of deals for Man Utd, who are aiming for five signings this summer. The Red Devils refrain from completing other cases until they have secured their primary goal in an attempt to determine how much of their budget will remain. An offer was made to free agent Danish footballer Christian Eriksen while talks were underway to move Antony Matheus dos Santos, an Ajax player who is keen to reunite with Erik.
Inter’s Dumfries was identified as the right rear target, while attention turned to Ajax’s Martinez after clubmate Timber indicated he would turn down a move to Man Utd. Austrian footballer and Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann could replace Henderson, who is set to join Nottingham Forest on loan.