The biggest transfer that is being talked about worldwide is Frenkie de Jong to Man United. According to Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are looking to submit an official second bid to sign the Barcelona midfielder in the coming days.

The new United boss Erik ten Hag has made his demands clear. He has given the board a list of players who he wishes to see in his team and it’s now up to the DoF John Murtough and CEO Richard Arnold to materialise the deals. The new CEO in his first tenure is looking to bring in De Jong on Ten Hag’s request as quickly as possible.

Man United had already submitted a bid worth €60 million, plus €10 million in performance related add-ons for De Jong. The deal was rejected as the Catalan club demanded the Red Devils to meet their full valuation of €85 million for the player.

Barcelona are looking to offload the 25-year-old midfielder for economic reasons primarily. The Dutchman currently sits on massive wages and his sale would allow the club to bring in multiple transfer targets such as Bernardo Silva, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and more.

The player’s preference is to stay at the Camp Nou. Moreover, Barca manager Xavi wants the retain the player as he wishes to build a team around the 25-year-old. However, the La Liga side are currently at a stage where there’s no going back.

🗣️ Xavi: "When Barcelona signed Frenkie de Jong, it made me happy. I consider him a footballer that can mark an era at Barcelona." 🙇‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/aMo842KJL8

— GOAL (@goal) November 20, 2020

Frenkie De Jong is a multi-functioning, highly-skilled central midfielder. The Barca number 21 is a key asset to any team that wishes to dominate possession. Since he was a teenager playing for Ajax, the Dutchman has had the technical skills to retain ball possession, accelerate play and break the opposition lines with his varied and effective passing.

No wonder the Blaugrana signed him for a hefty price of around €87 million after his breakout season with the Eredivisie Champions in 2018/19, where he and his teammates helped the club reach the semifinals of the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are now trying to sell him at around the same price they bought him for. United are skeptical of shelling out the demanded fee as they fear that they won’t have enough money left to invest in other areas of the pitch that need improvement.

Manchester United and Barcelona have been in direct contact today for Frenkie de Jong. Still no agreement on the fee, as Barça told Man Utd they won’t sell FdJ for less than €86m. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC

Barcelona want full fee guaranteed, also because of La Liga rules to reinvest money. pic.twitter.com/n6WBFk5Uxy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022

However, Erik ten Hag has his heart set on bringing the midfielder to the Emirates as the new gaffer wishes to build a team around the Dutchman. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that following the rejection of their initial bid, Man United are now preparing an improved offer for Frenkie de Jong.

Unable to secure a Champions League spot in the recently concluded season and finishing with their lowest points tally in the Premier League era, the Red Devils have quite the task on their hands in the upcoming season. Across town, their city rivals, Manchester City, have already completed the signings of Erling Haaland from Dortmund and Julian Alvarez from River Plate, and now, they have reached a verbal agreement to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds.

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United’s league rivals, Liverpool, have signed striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica and Fabio Carvalho from Fulham. Even if you do not take these two clubs into consideration who would most certainly be competing for the title next season, United’s direct competitors Arsenal and Tottenham have already completed multiple quality signings to strengthen their chances for next season.

Although handicapped by no Champions league football, the Red Devils are still trying to get their first deal over the line. If the Manchester club wish to finish in the top-4 next season, serious quality additions have to be made to the squad before the start of the campaign.

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