Man Utd: Ten Hag 'pushing ahead' with deal for £164k-a-week star at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and will ‘keep pressing’ for an Old Trafford switch despite Chelsea nearing a deal, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is looking to seal a reunion with the central midfielder having previously managed the Barcelona star during their time together at Ajax.

What’s the latest news involving de Jong?

It seems that Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to recruit de Jong as, according to Spanish sources, the west Londoners are close to agreeing a deal worth more than £67.6million with Barcelona.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are still waiting on a decision from the Dutchman as to whether he is willing to head to Stamford Bridge.

However, 90min have revealed that Manchester United are not giving up without a fight and remain in the hunt for de Jong’s signature.

The report suggests ten Hag, who was appointed as the Red Devils’ chief following the conclusion of last season, has already held talks with the 44-cap Netherlands international on a number of occasions.

Manchester United initially appeared to be in the driving seat to sign the 25-year-old after reaching a £63million agreement with Barcelona last month, but the deal failed to go through.

What has Dean Jones said about de Jong?

Jones understands that Manchester United remain determined in their efforts to lure de Jong, who is currently on a contract worth £164,000-per-week at Barcelona, to Old Trafford.

Although the Red Devils have agreed a £15million fee with Juventus for fellow midfielder Adrien Rabiot, the transfer insider insists that will not end the efforts to get a deal over the line.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They won’t give up on de Jong until either deadline day has passed or he’s ended up in a Chelsea shirt.

“They’ll keep pressing along. It’s the plan that they will push ahead with these two deals simultaneously, basically, and if they can sign both then they will.”

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Will de Jong end up heading to Old Trafford?

It was made clear in May that de Jong would rather stay at Barcelona or, alternatively, join a club competing in the Champions League.

Manchester United will not be involved in Europe’s elite club competition this season after falling 13 points adrift of the Premier League’s top four last term, so that does not play into their hands.

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 question marks over whether a deal will be possible.