Manchester United want to complete the signing of Frenkie De Jong by June 30 as they continue to chase their top target.
The Dutch midfielder has been firmly on Erik ten Hag's radar, with the new United boss keen to reunite with a player he knows well from their time at Ajax. De Jong has just completed his third season at Barcelona, but faces an uncertain future at the Camp Nou.
As a result the Red Devils want to pounce and complete a deal by the end of the month, reports talkSPORT. The Catalans are needing to balance the books with their financial situation still very much an issue. However they have demanded top dollar for De Jong, which has extended negotiations.
However, it now looks as if the two parties have settled on a £68m fee. De Jong himself has been keen to remain at the Nou Camp, but the situation may be taken out of his hands. He said recently whilst on international duty: "You are always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player, but I think I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and feel fine there so there is no news."
United's failure to add a central midfielder last term was seen as an error, furthering their need to do so this summer. Ten Hag has also seen several options in that area leave the club with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both leaving after their contracts expired.
Old Trafford chief Richard Arnold recently underlined the club's desire to add De Jong whilst he was secretly being filmed. He said: "Money is not a consideration on who we want. The manager wants him (De Jong) and they have actually done the work on looking at him... he's a great player."
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United are in desperate need of recruits having failed to make a signing since Ten Hag took charge. The Dutchman has a list of targets, but so far none have been captured amid a series of knock backs. Ajax centre-half Jurrien Timber was on the club's radar but he has opted to remain in Amsterdam.
England youth star Malcolm Ebiowei has turned down a move to Manchester, opting instead for a switch to Crystal Palace. Ten Hag had text the teenager in an effort to tempt him to the club, but he chose a move to London. The Red Devils are also in need of attacking reinforcements with Ajax star Antony potentially following his old boss to the Premier League.
