Manchester United have been ‘given assurances’ that Frenkie de Jong is willing to join the club this summer despite some reports to the contrary.
United are pursuing a deal for the midfielder and have agreed an initial fee of €65m (£55m) with Barcelona, though a move for De Jong has been held up due to the Spanish side owing around £17 million in deferred wages and bonuses to the Dutchman.
Sport released an article at the weekend detailing a number of reasons why De Jong had given the Red Devils a ‘resounding no’ over the move, among them a lack of Champions League football, his desire to succeed at Barcelona, and his and his partner’s settled status in Spain.
However, the Telegraph are reporting that United have been ‘given assurances’ that the midfielder is open to a move to the Premier League this summer and would not have continued their pursuit had the 25-year-old expressed otherwise.
Erik ten Hag had hoped to conclude a deal for the Netherlands international, who he previously coached at Ajax, before the club’s pre-season tour, with the Red Devils set to face Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.
United are awaiting for a resolution to De Jong’s deferred wages and he remains the club’s lead target, though alternatives have been discussed should a breakthrough not be found, including Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
United are also hopeful of making Christian Eriksen their second summer signing in the coming days, having agreed a three-year deal with the free agent after his departure from Brentford.
