Manchester United could be making inroads in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, with reports in Spain suggesting they have made the ‘strongest bid’ so far for the midfielder.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News , United have made contact with Barcelona over the availability of De Jong this summer. Incoming manager Erik ten Hag has identified the 25-year-old as an ideal target, with the Reds weighing up a potential £75million move.
According to Spanish outlet Sport though, they aren’t the only club interested in De Jong. Their report claims the Netherlands international has ‘more suitors’ than others in the Barca squad as the Catalan giants look to raise funds by offloading some of their players this summer.
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While Xavi has insisted he doesn’t want to lose De Jong, Barcelona are said to be willing to sell the midfielder, and are hoping to said to be hoping to raise €90m. It’s suggested though that the La Liga side could be negotiated down to a fee of around €80m.
While De Jong is attracting interest, United are still claimed to be leading the way in the pursuit. Sport suggest the Reds have made the strongest bid so far, although no figure has yet been suggested.
Elsewhere, Eric Bailly is claimed to have several options on the table as he pushes for an exit from Old Trafford this summer. The defender has already informed his team-mates of his intentions to leave United, having been left frustrated by his lack of chances this season.
The Ivorian has not featured for the Reds since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year, despite United’s poor record in defence. Bailly only signed a new contract last summer, but has slipped further down the pecking order under interim boss Ralf Rangncik.
French outlet But! (via the Mirror ) claim the 28-year-old’s representatives are in contact with a number of clubs, including Marseille and Lyon. There is also said to be some interest from Spain, with Bailly claimed to have plenty of offers to choose from.
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