Initially, De Jong had made it clear that his wish was to stay in Catalonia next season and beyond, despite United’s interest. However, as Ten Hag refuses to lie down, there is growing optimism that a deal is very much on paper. According to the Sunday Mirror, Ten Hague’s personal conversations with De Jong have changed the balance. The 52-year-old tactic is said to have reminded De Jong of the good moments they shared together at Ajax, where the conductor played arguably the best football of his career. READ MORE: Manchester United manager Eric Ten Hague “interested” in Brighton’s surprise on the left pitch De Jong is said to have been advised to remain silent on the move while away from international duty. Following the Netherlands’s clash in the Nations League with Wales next week in Rotterdam, he will go on holiday before deciding his future. United are believed to have seen a 60 60million opening bid rejected by Barcelona. However, this will not prevent them from returning to the table with an improved offer. Talks are still ongoing with Barcelona and there is still confidence that they will be able to reach an agreement – even if the agreement is by no means simple. The Red Devils are unwilling to pursue other goals at this stage, as De Jong is a name unanimously approved by the United board. United have made a slow start to summer transfers compared to their Premier League team-mates. Tottenham have already completed two transfers in the form of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster, while Manchester City has already acquired Erling Haland from Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool are now also on the verge of starting their window with a big bang, as the deal has been closed for United’s target, Darwin Nunes.
