Manchester United remain relaxed over the club’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and are preparing to table a second offer for the Barcelona midfielder.
United have seen an initial bid of €60m plus bonuses turned down by Barcelona, but remain confident the club are in a strong position to secure the signing of Erik ten Hag’s ‘prime’ summer target.
The Guardian are reporting that Barcelona’s concerning financial situation and a lack of credible competition for De Jong means the Red Devils are willing to take a patient approach to negotiations, though there is hope a deal can be agreed before United fly to Thailand for their pre-season tour on July 8.
Ten Hag wants to secure the signing of De Jong as soon as possible, with the Dutchman keen to reunite with the midfielder following their success together at Ajax.
United’s confidence is such that there is a belief that De Jong’s move to the Premier League ‘is a case of when not if’ and their second offer is set to be worth around €70m plus add-ons.
United’s stance will help ease the concerns of the club’s fanbase who have been critical of chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough over the club’s lack of business in comparison to Premier League rivals.
The Red Devils have seen Manchester City and Liverpool strengthen with the signings of Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez respectively, whilst Tottenham have also been active and last week sealed a deal for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, a player once touted for a move to Old Trafford.
United also remain interested in a deal to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, but face competition from a wealth of sides across England and Europe, including Spurs and West Ham.
