Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is the subject of intense interest from Manchester United and the club is locked in negotiations with Barcelona, who could be forced to let their star leave.
The Catalan club are embroiled in financial difficulties and De Jong, one of their most valuable players, could be sold in order to fund new signings.
The latest update revealed that United and Barcelona are €10-15m apart in their valuations of De Jong, whilst well-placed sources suggest that an agreement will eventually be reached.
Now, Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero has shared that sentiment and admitted that De Jong is likely to join United this summer, as seen below.
'I say de Jong will be a Man Utd player this season'
Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero is confident Erik ten Hag will grab his number one transfer target for #MUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/UrK5Z2BCOq
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 17, 2022
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“I say he will go to play for Manchester United, as we’ve been saying the last days, for two reasons,” Montero told Sky Sports. “One, is because the player knows that Ten Hag wants the player, it’s his desire. Of course, it’s Manchester United who is knocking on your door, an amazing club and it’s the Premier League.
“Apart from Bernardo Silva’s situation, which I would say is recent, there is a problem – an economic one. And it seems, they believe this at Barcelona, that Frenkie de Jong is maybe not the best player but the player in the market with the most value and the one they can earn more money.
“We are speaking about 70 million, 80 million euros, which is a lot nowadays. I would say, it’s a huge possibility for Frenkie de Jong to leave the club.”
Montero goes on to say that despite his comments earlier this week confirming that he would like to stay, Barcelona’s financial situation could supersede his desire.
Erik ten Hag will meet up with his new squad for the first time later this month as the pre-season preparations begin. De Jong, who has been involved in international fixtures, would not have been a part of that group if he had signed by this point.
Regardless, Ten Hag will be desperate to get his prime target through the door as soon as possible. The pair enjoyed a successful 18 months together at Ajax and the Old Trafford faithful are keen to see them replicate that next season.
