Word stemming from the Spanish media on Thursday suggests that Manchester United have tabled an improved offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Recent weeks have of course seen reports linking Dutch international de Jong with an Old Trafford switch move up a notch.
With the former Ajax standout widely understood to have been identified as the no.1 target to reinforce United’s ranks in the middle of the park ahead of next season, talks were officially kicked into gear between the Premier League giants and Barcelona over a potential deal this day last week.
Manchester United have formally opened talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong | @JBurtTelegraph #mufc https://t.co/RwV6VG91Lg
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 10, 2022
Such negotiations came amid the widespread understanding that de Jong had given his blessing to a move to Manchester, where he would of course link up with the man who oversaw the finest form of his career to date – Erik ten Hag.
And yet, to this point, little has been reported when it comes to steps forward in United’s pursuit.
A fresh insight into the situation, in turn, has been provided on Thursday.
The info comes courtesy of Luis F Rojo of Spanish outlet Marca, who points towards the powers that be at Old Trafford tabling an improved bid for the club’s no.1 summer target.
As widely reported elsewhere, the Red Devils’ opening proposal to Barca is understood to have come in around the €60 million mark, followed by a series of add-ons for a potential total of €80 million.
The board at the latter, though, made clear that a more considerable up-front payment would be required to kickstart negotiations.
In turn, United have returned with precisely that. As per the aforementioned Luis Rojo, a new offer worth €65 million plus €20 million in bonuses has arrived in the Catalan capital.
It remains short, though, of the Blaugrana’s alleged asking price.
🗞 #mufc initially offered €60m plus €20m in variables for Frenkie de Jong and have improved their proposal offering €65m fixed in recent contacts – but Barcelona want a minimum of €75m. [@Luis_F_Rojo, @marca]
— Utd District (@UtdDistrict) June 23, 2022
Barcelona table opening offer for Robert Lewandowski
Wolves’ Ruben Neves price-tag revealed amid Man United links
