Manchester United handed Frenkie de Jong blow by Ronald Koeman

Manchester United have been linked with a number of players over the past few weeks and months, but one man that they seem to have near the top of their wish list this summer is FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. The Red Devils were believed to be interested in him in the past as well and that seems to have only grown since the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager.

Ten Hag and De Jong share a very successful history together. It was under the Dutch manager that Ajax reached the semi-finals of the Champions League a few years back, with the Netherlands international star as the centre-piece of his midfield.

Since then, De Jong has moved to Barcelona but his career there has not gone as hoped, as his development appears to have stalled a bit. Thus, a move away from Camp Nou and a reunion with Ten Hag at Manchester United would make a lot of sense on paper.

But, it does not look like the player is too keen on leaving Barcelona at this point of time. As reported by Metro, Ronald Koeman told Esport 3:

"‘The only thing I know is that Frenkie wants to continue at Barca.‘A couple of days ago he told me he wanted to continue. What I don’t know is if Barca wants to sell him or needs money because he is one of the few players for whom they can get a good amount.’"

Manchester United handed De Jong transfer blow by Koeman

De Jong is still a key player for Barcelona. But at the same time, the club are not in the best position financially at this point of time and might need to part ways with some players this summer.

De Jong is one player who they could get a significant transfer fee for and that is what it will take for Manchester United to sign him.

Rumours have suggested that Barcelona are looking for a transfer fee north of €80 million to let De Jong leave this summer. It remains to be seen if Manchester United are willing to meet those demands. And then, there will be the matter of convincing the player to come to Old Trafford as well.