Barcelona have told Manchester United that they want a guaranteed fee of £73million for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
United need to strengthen a number of positions this summer but none more so than midfield, which requires at least one but preferably two new additions to improve the middle of the park and offset departures. New boss Erik ten Hag has identified his former player De Jong as the perfect man to help stamp his identity onto the side.
It initially seemed ludicrous that United would be able to sign a player of such quality, especially as they can't even offer Champions League football next season, but Barcelona appear increasingly keen to cash in on the Dutchman. Their continued financial peril means they will have to raise funds in the market if they want to make any additions this summer.
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With the emergence of young midfielders Pedri and Gavi, De Jong is no longer crucial at the Camp Nou, making him one of their few expendable assets which would still fetch a high price. According to Fabrizio Romano, that price has been set.
It's reported that Barcelona have told United that they want a guaranteed fee of at least £73million for the 25-year-old and that 'conversations' are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly prepared to offer Ajax a player-plus-cash deal in order to try and beat United to the signing of Antony.
The Brazilian has been linked with a reunion with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, with United in the market for a new forward this summer. The club's attacking options have been depleted already this summer with the departures of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.
The Independent suggest Tottenham are ready to rival them for the 22-year-old's signature. The report claims Spurs will offer up Steven Bergwijn as part of a swap deal in order to bring Antony to north London.
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