It’s been widely reported Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is the priority target for Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag.
AS explain the Catalan club and the Premier League side continue to negotiate the Netherlands international’s transfer.
This operation has become a game of poker between the two sides and the one that withstands pressure the longest will win financially.
After a disappointing campaign, the English club are looking to turn things around under their new coach. To do that, they will need signings and De Jong’s arrival can help them in this regard.
Manchester United also have the financial muscle to carry out the operation for the Dutchman. All these factors seem to favour the Blaugrana’s negotiating stance, but the Old Trafford side have made an offer, which is considered ‘scarce’ by Barca.
They were looking to take advantage of the Spanish giants’ delicate economic situation. After making an offer of €60m plus bonuses, United were hoping Xavi Hernández’s side would accept.
Instead, they have found a ‘patient Barca’, who received the much-needed boost through the sale of the club’s future financial assets. Therefore, they continue to request €80m for De Jong.
AS state the former Ajax man’s sale is not fundamental for Barcelona and he will continue to have a prominent role, if he ends up staying at the Camp Nou.
They end their report by stating: ‘From the premise of not underselling the footballer and waiting, it seems that Barca has the aces in their hand. The game continues.’
The La Liga side are ready to let the midfielder leave as long as they receive an offer that includes an €80m fixed fee. The Red Devils, so far, have not managed to meet this request. Despite the difference, there is belief in the Spanish press the deal is likely to go through.
🇵🇱"El BARÇA le pide a LEWANDOWSKI que esté TRANQUILO".
🔴"FRENKIE De Jong tiene un 90% de posibilidades de irse al UNITED". 🔵"El BARÇA quiere desencallar la operación AZPILICUETA".
👉Información de @10JoseAlvarez en #ChiringuitoFicherío. pic.twitter.com/uN2GExpfp6
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 22, 2022
El Chiringuito journalist Jose Alvarez Haya states the 25-year-old has a ‘90 percent chance of going’ to United’.
Meanwhile, Spanish journalist Miguel Ángel Román believes Barca may be forced to sell De Jong to United to improve their finances. 
“If there is an area of the pitch where Barca can have performance in the short and long term, it is the midfield. Perhaps the Dutchman’s exit will not be so screeching,” he told Radio Marca.
“He is a player that Manchester United are interested in. Frenkie exploded with Erik Ten Hag when he was at Ajax.
“If I were Manchester United, taking into account the need there is, I would bet on him. Barca need to sell, and on the other side of the scale, there is Erik have Hag who comes to revive a historical [club] in low hours [bad times].”
With multiple sources suggesting De Jong is likely to leave Barca for United in the summer window, it needs to be seen which club will give up first and change their stance.
