Man Utd now want £68m deal completed 'this week' at Old Trafford | OneFootball

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GiveMeSport

·28 June 2022

Man Utd now want £68m deal completed 'this week' at Old Trafford

Article image:Man Utd now want £68m deal completed 'this week' at Old Trafford

Manchester United are hoping to seal Frenkie de Jong’s Old Trafford arrival by the end of the month, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Red Devils entered a new era at the climax of last season as Erik ten Hag moved into the hot seat, and it appears the Dutchman is closing in on his first acquisition of the transfer window.


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Article image:Man Utd now want £68m deal completed 'this week' at Old Trafford

What’s the latest news involving de Jong?

It initially looked as though Manchester United would be frustrated in their attempts to land de Jong when it surfaced the defensive midfielder was keen to remain at Barcelona or, alternatively, join a club competing in the Champions League.

Despite that, the Red Devils still opted to push on with their interest and lodged a bid worth £51.3million, plus add-ons, only for the proposal to be rejected by the Nou Camp hierarchy.

However, a move now appears to be on the cards as, according to Goal, ten Hag’s charges are closing in on reaching an agreement which will see de Jong head to the Premier League.

The report suggests there is growing confidence behind the scenes at Manchester United that they will successfully complete the signing of the 44-cap Netherlands international.

It is understood that the Red Devils have lodged a fresh £68million offer and ten Hag, along with Barcelona chief Xavi, has convinced de Jong that heading to Old Trafford would be a good move.

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

What has Alex Crook said about de Jong?

Crook understands Manchester United have set themselves a target of getting the deal over the line by close of play on Thursday.

The talkSPORT reporter believes the Red Devils are keen to finally get de Jong on their books and they are on the cusp of reaching a compromise with Barcelona.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: “The date I’ve been given for that is June 30, which is Thursday. That’s when United want to get it done.

“I think they’re close now to agreeing a fee of £68million. It’ll be there or thereabouts, with some add-ons.”

Why have Man Utd fought so hard to sign de Jong?

There is no doubt that de Jong will add industry and control to Manchester United’s midfield, with him finishing in the 96th and 92nd percentiles for progressive carrying distance and pass completion rate among midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues last season.

Ten Hag will know de Jong’s qualities well, having selected him on 59 occasions during their time together at Ajax.

It was his form under ten Hag which allowed the 25-year-old to seal a £65million switch to Barcelona in 2019, so the Red Devils’ new boss will be confident of being able to get the best out of his fellow countryman.

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