Man United could now seal £63m+ Frenkie de Jong move after new development – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Man United could yet seal a move for Frenkie de Jong in January if they can maintain their current good form.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Erik ten Hag must continue to “work his magic” to make a deal for the 25-year-old possible.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (8 September), a January exit for De Jong cannot be ruled out with Barcelona still seeking to move the midfielder on.
Man United reportedly agreed a fee of €75million (£63million) plus add-ons for the former Ajax star during the summer window – but he refused to join the Old Trafford club.
The Red Devils have won their last four league matches and sit just outside the Champions League qualification spots.
Whelan insisted the Old Trafford club are “becoming a better team outfit”.
When asked if Man United could do a deal for De Jong if they can maintain their good form, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think so.
“They started slow, but they’ve picked up the pace with some tough decisions about Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire.
“They’ve got a good settled side now.
“Things are gradually picking up for them, and they’re becoming a better team outfit. They’re harder to beat, they’re creating chances, and their work rate has been upped.
“Ten Hag is working his magic – but it’s got to continue. If it does continue into January, then there could be a good chance that De Jong could join then.”
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