Erik ten Hag (pictured) has reportedly convinced Frenkie de Jong to join Man United

Erik ten Hag ‘convinces Frenkie de Jong his future lies at Old Trafford as the midfielder can realise his full potential as part of Man United’s return to the glory days’… but the club have yet to agree a deal with Barcelona

  • Frenkie de Jong has emerged as Manchester United’s summer transfer priority 
  • The midfielder was believed to be initially reluctant to move to Old Trafford 
  • But new boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly successfully changed the star’s mind
  • United have yet to agree a deal with Barcelona and had a bid of £60m rejected 

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly convinced Frenkie de Jong that his future lies at Old Trafford. 

The 25-year-old has emerged as the Red Devils’ priority target in the summer window with the club in the market for a new central midfielder after Paul Pogba left as a free agent.

But De Jong was initially believed to be reluctant to make the move to Manchester, citing United’s lack of Champions League football.

Erik ten Hag (pictured) has reportedly convinced Frenkie de Jong to join Man United

Frenkie de Jong was was initially believed to be reluctant to make the move to Manchester

Erik ten Hag (left) has reportedly convinced Frenkie de Jong (right) to join Man United

However, Ten Hag has passed his first test as United manager after he successfully managed to change the midfielder’s mind and convinced him that he can realise his full potential at Old Trafford, according to The Mirror. 

When United first made their interest known, De Jong was said to be reluctant to lave the Catalan side. 

United’s lack of Champions League football, after scrambling sixth-place finish last season, was believed to be a deterrent for De Jong. 

Meanwhile, he was also said to be reluctant to leave the Nou Camp after three seasons and wanted to stay and prove himself following his £65million arrival. 

The Dutchman reportedly wanted to stay and prove himself after three seasons at Barcelona

The Dutchman reportedly wanted to stay and prove himself after three seasons at Barcelona

But United have set their sights on De Jong as their No 1 summer transfer target with Ten Hag said to want to build his side around him. 

The manager has reportedly explained that he is planning to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford and told De Jong he can be part of United’s comeback.

De Jong played under Ten Hag when Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019 before joining Barcelona. 

Ten Hag is said to have reminded his former star of their success together, having won a Dutch league and cup double at Ajax in 2019. 

Ten Hag is said to have reminded his former star of their success together while at Ajax

Ten Hag is said to have reminded his former star of their success together while at Ajax

The Red Devils may have talked De Jong into the move but they still need to persuade Barcelona to let him leave with a sufficient fee.

United’s initial bid of £60million was reportedly rejected by Barcelona, who told the Premier League side they would need to match the club-record £89m splashed out on Paul Pogba in 2016 to secure a move for De Jong. 

However, Barca are believed to want around £65m for the Dutchman and that fee could seal the deal.

The Catalan giants need to sell this summer to stabilise their precarious finances and last month the club were reported to be set to put nine players up for sale.

The Catalan giants are expected to sell this summer in order to fund manager Xavi's rebuild

The Catalan giants are expected to sell this summer in order to fund manager Xavi’s rebuild

Xavi will look to rebuild his squad after a disappointing season and he has been very clear that they need to bring in reinforcements to challenge Real Madrid for the LaLiga title and compete in the Champions League once again.

The option to sell De Jong is said to be the most appealing to Barcelona as it would generate multi-million pound funds for the club. 

The Dutch international is reportedly planning to have a holiday after the Netherlands play Wales in their Nations League clash on Tuesday. 

He is said to have been advised not to speak publicly about his proposed move until both United and Barcelona have agreed a fee.

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