Sources: Man United in pole position to sign Frenkie de Jong amid ‘£70m’ reveal
Man United are leading the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils were eager to sign the Dutchman last summer but failed to complete the move, with the 25-year-old wanting to stay put in Spain.
But with Barcelona struggling financially this summer, the La Liga giants are aware they need to raise funds through sales and have identified De Jong as an asset they are willing to put on the market.
It is understood that Barcelona will demand £70million for De Jong – a fee United are willing to match provided they have funds available.
Football Insider sources revealed last Saturday (4 March) that United have put six senior stars up for sale this summer after Erik ten Hag was told to raise funds for his summer budget.
United are considered favourites in the race for De Jong, with Chelsea also interested in signing him this summer.
Ten Hag is a huge admirer of De Jong from their time together at Ajax.
The Red Devils boss took over at Ajax in 2017, a year after De Jong had stepped up from the Ajax academy to the first team.
The duo spent two years together in Amsterdam, winning the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup together in the 2018/19 season, while also reaching the Champions League semi-final together.
Since making a £65million move to Barcelona, De Jong has made 175 total appearances, scoring 15 and assisting 19.
De Jong remains a crucial part of Xavi’s side having only missed two La Liga games this season.
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