Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer, ahead of Chelsea.
That’s according to the Mirror, who claim that United are in the box seat to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, despite Chelsea making contact with Barcelona officials about bringing him to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
It was initially claimed that de Jong would only leave Barcelona for Chelsea and had no interest in joining United (Metro).
It seems as though that has all changed now though, with United in pole position to sign the Netherlands international.
Manchester United lead Chelsea in race for Frenkie de Jong
The Barcelona star is available for around £63 million this summer (Metro).
And the Mirror reckon that Erik ten Hag is in the box seat to bring the Barca star to Old Trafford this summer. What an incredible signing De Jong could be for United – if the owners manage to push this one through.
He bagged three goals and three assists in 32 La Liga games for Barca last season. During those appearances, the Dutchman made 51.2 passes on average per game and recorded a mightily impressive completion rate of 91.3%.
The Dutchman is highly energetic, cool and composed when in possession and a brilliant passer of the ball. He has the quality needed to dictate the tempo of the game and would add so much to the United squad.
Sport Bible describe him as elite and a masterclass midfielder.
De Jong is a truly world-class central midfielder. He earns a whopping €30 million per year according to Sport. That works out at a mammoth £490k-per-week.
Barca have already asked de Jong to take a 50% pay-cut (Sport), so if either United or Chelsea sign him, they will need to pay him at least £250k-per-week, probably more.
As things stand though, it seems as though United are leading Chelsea in the race to sign de Jong.
If ten Hag manages to get a deal for the Dutchman over the line, United will be in great shape heading into the new season.