By Betsefy
Manchester United are reportedly ‘convinced’ that they can complete a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with the 20-time English champions since the end of May, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag believed to have identified him as the club’s leading summer target.
Man United have thus far been unsuccessful in their pursuit of the 25-year-old and had seemingly dropped their interest when they completed a deal for Real Madrid’s Casemiro.
However, a recent report claimed that Ten Hag’s team are still targeting De Jong, as they want to pair him with Casemiro in a new-look midfield.
Man United chiefs are allegedly heading for Barcelona this week with a view to closing a deal for the Dutchman, and according to Sport, the English outfit are ‘convinced’ that the transfer is still possible.
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De Jong is still thought to be owed £17m by Barcelona in deferred wages, which is believed to be one of the main issues currently holding up his move away from Camp Nou, although the player is reluctant to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Due to Barcelona’s financial problems and the issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, De Jong came to an agreement which would see him have the money transferred over the remainder of his deal, which is set to run until 2026.
Man United are believed to have come to an agreement with Barcelona over a €85m (£71.5m) deal, with the Catalan side keen to sell due to their financial problems.
Xavi‘s side have also not yet managed to register new signing Jules Kounde, while they are hoping to further improve their squad before the end of the transfer window.
The midfielder made 46 appearances at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, contributing four goals and five assists in the process, and he has also been involved in the early stages of this season.
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De Jong came off the bench in Barcelona’s goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano on August 13 before playing 85 minutes of Sunday’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.
Man United have now made four signings this summer, bringing in Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen.
The club are believed to be working on deals for as many as four more players, though, including De Jong, with Ajax’s Antony and PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo also said to be targets.
A new goalkeeper is also expected to arrive before the end of the transfer window, with the Red Devils believed to have made an offer for Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
Man United recorded a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night and will be looking to back up that victory when they head to Southampton in the league this weekend.
