DEAL CONFIRMED: Club has finally came to an agreement with Man United over the signing of £50m superstar,4yr deal with option for further season set to be agreed tonight – transfer expert reports

Manchester United have reinitiated their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong after failing to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. The search for a strong defensive midfielder to pair with Kobbie Mainoo in a dual midfield setup is now more pressing than ever for the Red Devils.

Initially, Manchester United had their sights set on Ugarte, but the negotiations hit a dead end due to PSG’s high demands. The French club insisted on a fee that would recoup the substantial sum they paid Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte last summer. Given Ugarte’s limited appearances for PSG, United were unwilling to meet this hefty price tag.

Manchester United have already made significant investments this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro to strengthen their squad. However, the financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations are forcing the club to reconsider their transfer strategies as they aim to build a competitive team.

According to English journalist Michael Plant, via Fichajes, Manchester United are turning their attention back to Frenkie De Jong as a viable alternative to Ugarte. Two summers ago, when Erik ten Hag took over as manager, United were eager to bring De Jong to Old Trafford. However, they ultimately signed Casemiro after struggling to meet Barcelona’s steep asking price for the Dutch midfielder.

This time around, United could potentially secure De Jong for a bargain price ranging from £30 million to £40 million. Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties may push them to accept a lower offer for the talented midfielder.

Standing at 1.81 meters, De Jong is a highly versatile player, capable of excelling in various positions on the pitch. Whether deployed as a number six, number eight, or even as a center-back, he adapts seamlessly to the tactical needs of his team.

De Jong’s game is characterized by his combative nature and keen understanding of the play. His ability to execute strong tackles and make crucial interceptions makes him a formidable presence on the field. He is also adept in both aerial and ground duels, using his positioning and body control to outmaneuver opponents.

What truly sets De Jong apart, however, are his technical and playmaking abilities. He is known for his precision in passing and his capacity to dictate the tempo of a match. His passes, which vary in style and range, are typically forward-moving, helping to launch attacks from deep within the field.

Moreover, De Jong’s skill in controlling the ball and advancing it under pressure makes him a difficult player to dispossess. While he is the type of player that Manchester United needs, his high salary remains a significant hurdle in the club’s efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.