Frenkie de Jong’s agents are encouraging PSG and a big Premier League striker to sign their client and why a move to direct rivals Man United could happen, it has been revealed.
The Red Devils continue their pursuit of Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong. Erik ten Hag has identified his fellow Dutchman as the ideal candidate to pull the strings in his midfield.
Manchester United have completed a £63m deal with Barcelona. ESPN reports that broad agreements are in place regarding the payment structure and add-ons.
However, the biggest hurdle facing United is convincing De Jong that Old Trafford is the right place.
In fact, De Jong has so far maintained that he does not want to leave Barcelona. He settles in the city and wants to fight for his place in the dream club.
United’s latest strategy has recently been detailed by the Spanish press. The Red Devils are hoping that opening the checkbook will twist De Jong’s arm, and it has been claimed that they are even prepared to absorb all of the €17m in deferred wages he is owed by Barcelona.
However, according to ESPN, United’s problems could double if De Jong’s agents get their way.
Chelsea, PSG encouraged to act
They report that De Jong’s representatives are encouraging both PSG and Chelsea to join the bidding and possibly steal the deal from Manchester United.
The obvious response to this development is that if De Jong is adamant that he wants to stay at Barca, why would Chelsea or PSG succeed where United haven’t?
The report admits that De Jong’s desire is indeed to stay where he is. However, if the Dutchman is eventually forced out of Catalonia, he would “prefer to join a Champions League club”.
Given United’s sixth-placed finish last season, The Hague’s side are unable to meet that demand. The same cannot be said for Chelsea and PSG.
Indeed, the Blues have established fleeting links with De Jong during United’s protracted pursuit.
New Blues owner Todd Boilley reportedly held preliminary talks with Barcelona about De Jong at the start of July.
Since then, news of Chelsea’s interest levels has been quiet, but if De Jong does leave Barcelona, it may not be to join Manchester United.
Frenkie de Jong’s theft is unthinkable for United
The idea of missing out on Ten Hag’s No.1 target is unpleasant enough for most United fans. The thought of him joining a direct rival would be utterly unthinkable.
Still, while De Jong’s future remains uncertain, any outcome remains possible.
Barcelona are desperate to sell to fund other moves. They have forked out around £50m to sign Rafinha and have since agreed a £42.5m deal (including add-ons) to sign Robert Lewandowski.
Why Manchester United want Frankie de Jong?
Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong when the player doesn’t seem to want to move to Old Trafford?
Barca were rumored to be kicking De Jong out of their pre-season tour of America. However, the Spaniards have dropped that power play, with De Jong now confirmed to be among their traveling party.
This could be a sign that Barcelona are starting to come to terms with De Jong staying where he is. This scenario will not sit well with Manchester United, but at least it will keep him out of the clutches of Chelsea.
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