Barcelona turn down initial offer for De Jong as talks continue with United

Frenkie De Jong in action for Barcelona.

Manchester United have reportedly had an opening bid of €60 million plus €10m in add-ons for Frenkie de Jong rejected by Barcelona.

That is according to reliable hack Fabrizio Romano, who claims United’s opening proposal has been turned down – but the two clubs remain in contact.

Romano insists De Jong has never indicated his desire to anyone, although the Netherlands midfielder went on record at the end of the season to say he wants to stay at Barcelona.

The Italian journalist tweeted: “Manchester United have made an opening proposal for Frenkie de Jong after talks started June 1. €60m plus €10m add-ons.

“Barcelona have turned down this opening bid – but clubs remain in contact.

“De Jong has never indicated his desire to anyone. He’s still waiting.”

Other reports today suggest De Jong is now happy to join former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

It sounds like Barcelona are actively trying to move De Jong to United – in a bid to finance a move for Man City’s Bernardo Silva – but a deal make take a little while to conclude. The Red Devils are in a strong position negotiation wise because they know the La Liga giants need to sell.

De Jong could become the player Ten Hag builds his United team around.

As great as that sounds, we still need to sign a defensive midfielder to do the dirty work in the middle. The Netherlands star will bring a creative spark to help our attacking players score more goals.

I would argue that he is a much better fit than Paul Pogba, with the Frenchman leaving United at the end of June.

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