Manchester United have had a £60million offer for Frenkie de Jong turned down by Barcelona.
United made the opening offer knowing Barca were likely to reject it and are ready to return with an improved bid. Newly-appointed United boss Erik ten Hag wants to make his former Ajax midfielder De Jong his first Old Trafford signing.
De Jong was initially reluctant to reunite with Ten Hag at United because of their inability to offer him Champions League football. But the 25-year-old knows how keen Barca are to offload him to raise funds to strengthen their side and is now prepared to leave the Nou Camp.
Personal terms will not be an issue for United and De Jong, who is expected to become Ten Hag's first signing once a compromise fee can be agreed with Barca.
The Netherlands international departing Catalonia could pave the way for the Spanish giants to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. Xavi is a huge fan of the Portuguese playmaker but his cash-strapped side will need to raise funds by selling players in order to pull off the transfer.
Like De Jong, Silva is valued at £75million by his club and he was close to leaving City last summer amid interest from Atletico Madrid. The 27-year-old grew disillusioned with life in England during the coronavirus pandemic and was keen to move away.
However, Pep Guardiola convinced him to remain at City and this proved to be a masterstroke, as the player's contributions towards a fourth Premier League title in five seasons were vitally important. Nonetheless, Silva is open to a new adventure as he approaches the final three years of his contract at the Etihad.
What is the maximum sum Manchester United should bid to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer? Have your say in the comments!
De Jong, meanwhile, has four years remaining on his deal with Barca having signed a long-term extension in 2020. He made a total of 46 appearances across all competitions last season, starting 30 La Liga games as Xavi's men finished second to bitter rivals Real Madrid by 13 points.
His potential exit holds the key to Barca attempting to sign Silva, but it appears United will need to raise their offer for either transfer to take place. Ten Hag is desperate to strengthen his new side's midfield ahead of the new season as this was a problem position last campaign and it has only grown weaker with numerous players departing Old Trafford, including Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata.
