Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong with Barcelona reportedly ‘willing’ to sell the midfielder for a cut-price fee.
The Manchester Evening News understands United have contacted the Catalan club about De Jong’s potential availability ahead of Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford. Reports suggesting an imminent deal could be in the works are thought to be wide of the mark, although United are looking to move swiftly in their search for a new midfielder.
And it seems Barcelona are on board with a potential deal, with the La Liga giants claimed to be willing to accept a loss on the Netherlands international. De Jong made the move to Barca from Ajax for £65million back in 2019.
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According to Goal, Barcelona will accept a bid of just over £50m as they entertain offers for a number of their players. That could well play into United’s hands as they look to cover the imminent departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, among others.
Speaking of Pogba, the midfielder has reportedly been offered a deal to return to Juventus this summer, with the Italian side confident they are leading the race for the 29-year-old’s signature. As previously mentioned, Pogba is expected to leave United once his contract expires at the end of the current season.
The France international will certainly not be short of offers, with a number of clubs having been linked with a move for him over the past year. As well as Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as possible destinations, with the French champions having previously made an offer.
According to The Mirror, Juve believe they sit ahead of PSG in the running to land Pogba. The Italian side are claimed to be ready to offer a £160,000-a-week deal to the midfielder, plus a huge bonus package and signing-on fees.
Juventus are said to be keen to want to build their team around Pogba in the future. The 2018 World Cup winner spent four years in Turin after his first exit from United in 2012 and is said to still be in contact with friends in Italy.
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