Manchester United 'officially open talks with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong'

Manchester United have reportedly officially opened talks with Barcelona over a proposed deal for Frenkie de Jong.

New Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag managed the midfielder at Ajax and is believed to be determined to bring him to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

De Jong was again a vital player for his Catalan club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring four goals and registering five assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

However, Barcelona's financial problems could lead to them allowing the Netherlands international to leave Camp Nou in the upcoming market.

According to The Guardian, Man United have now officially opened discussions with the La Liga giants over De Jong, who is valued by his current side in the region of €85m (£72.4m).

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However, Man United's failure to qualify for the 2022-23 Champions League means that they could struggle to convince the 25-year-old to make the move to Old Trafford.

When questioned on his future on Tuesday, the midfielder, who is currently on international duty, revealed that he was keen to remain at Barcelona this summer.

"I prefer to stay with Barcelona," De Jong told ESPN. "Barcelona is just my dream club. Also from a young age. I just said it too. I've never regretted my choice despite the fact that I had hoped for more in terms of prizes than I've achieved so far. But I have never regretted my choice."

De Jong also said that he was aware of the speculation surrounding a possible switch to Old Trafford but refused to reveal whether he had been in touch with former Ajax boss Ten Hag.

"Of course I hear about the links to Manchester United, but the people in charge of the club (Barca) didn't tell me anything. So then I will assume that there is no agreement, and that nothing is going on. So then I won't worry about it too," De Jong also said in an interview with AD.

"If I have been in contact with Ten Hag? I won't tell you this. I wouldn't tell you this if it was about another manager or club too."

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Man United's football director John Murtough is said to be leading the negotiations with Barcelona, who need funds in order to boost their squad during the summer market.

Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba are both set to leave Old Trafford on free transfers at the end of June, which will lead to the Red Devils signing at least one central midfielder.

De Jong, who still has more than four years left to run on his contract, has represented the Catalan giants on 139 occasions in all competitions, providing 13 goals and 17 assists.

A recent report claimed that Man United would be prepared to make him their highest-paid player on £395,000 a week to move to the club this summer.

De Jong is expected to start for the Netherlands in their 2022-23 UEFA Nations League opener against Belgium in Brussels on Friday night.