Manchester United to submit improved proposal for Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United are said to have upped their bid to sign Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong after having their first proposal rejected.

Fabrizio Romano reports higher-ups at Old Trafford are in constant direct contact with their counterparts in Catalunya and another bid is now being discussed.

The latest offer includes a guaranteed fee of €65m, an improvement on the initial €60m plus add-ons which was judged unfit.

Romano goes on to state that there is no change on the player and agent’s side, maintaining the standpoint that De Jong wishes to stay at Barcelona.

United finally getting somewhere with Frenkie de Jong?

Speculation linking the Dutch midfielder with a switch to Manchester United started last month with new manager Erik ten Hag looking to add an element of familiarity upon the start of his reign as Red Devils boss.

De Jong and Ten Hag enjoyed a successful spell together when their time at Ajax overlapped between 2017 and 2019.

They embarked on a now-famous Champions League journey, beating Juventus and Real Madrid on their way to a semi-final before being beaten in agonising fashion by Tottenham.

After recording their worst points total in 2021/22 since before the Premier League was formed in 1992, the inquest into the cause of their demise led to – among a plethora of factors – the centre of the pitch.

Aside from Nemanja Matic, who will join Jose Mourinho at Roma upon his contract’s expiry this month, United have lacked a player to anchor their midfield – protecting their defence while triggering attacks.

There is debate around whether Frenkie de Jong is this player, but he certainly offers a level above any of the Northwest side’s current options.

Additional areas identified as in need of reinforcements are central defence and right midfield, however, the ongoing negotiations with Barcelona regarding Frenkie de Jong have seemingly put a hold on other transfers.