Revealed: The Man Utd player who could be used in De Jong swap deal
FT Desk
- 8 Aug 2022 21:05 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are not giving up in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, and are now reportedly willing to offer up one of the Barcelona midfielder's compatriots to push the deal through.
De Jong has been a target at Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window but United's attempts to push through a move have so far been frustrated.
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The player is said to be unwilling to move to the Premier League, while Barca are also on the fence over a sale despite their need to reduce wage commitments.
The Red Devils, however, now hope an ex-team-mate of the midfielder's at Ajax could prove the key to unlocking negotiations.
According to the Express, Donny van de Beek has now been offered to Camp Nou as a makeweight in the deal that would take De Jong to United.
The Dutchman has struggled throughout his time at the club, failing to find a regular first-team place in the last two years since arriving from Ajax.
United move to head off Chelsea challenge
New interest in De Jong from Chelsea is the motivation behind United's improved offer.
The Blues are said to be willing to match that bid, while the player himself might look upon a move to west London more favourably given their involvement in Europe's premier competition.
Van de Beek, then, would sweeten the deal for Barca, while removing a player who has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford.
The midfielder has made just 51 appearances for the club in two seasons, while he spent the final part of 2021-22 shipped out on loan to Everton after being declared surplus to requirements.
Erik ten Hag has indicated his willingness to consider his countryman for a more involved first-team role but he was given just 13 minutes off the bench in United's Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday, with Fred and Scott McTominay remaining the Reds' first-choice midfield pairing.
