Manchester United have been chasing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong all summer but have got nowhere in their attempt to sign the midfielder.
Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with his former player but it is clear that the Dutch star doesn’t want to leave Spain for Old Trafford.
It has been over a month since the Premier League club reached an agreement with the La Liga giants for the 25-year-old; with Man United agreeing to pay Barcelona a guaranteed fee of €75m for De Jong, reported The Athletic, with add-ons worth €10m also attached to the deal.
However, according to the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, that offer has now expired as De Jong has refused to sign for them.
? Manchester United's offer for Frenkie De Jong has expired. He has refused to sign for them.
(Source: @telegraaf) pic.twitter.com/Mh153g4yiI
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 15, 2022
This is the latest blow in a turbulent week for the Manchester club as nothing seems to be going right for Ten Hag. The Red Devils board seems incapable of providing the new United boss with the tools he needs to make the club competitive again and this is the latest novice-like act as the club either couldn’t meet a deadline or have just given up on the deal.
Where De Jong’s future lies is uncertain at present, as according to Sky Sports, Chelsea are ready to sign the 25-year-old if Barcelona allows the midfielder to leave this month.
The Catalan club seem to be pushing the Dutch star towards the exit door and it will certainly hurt Man United to see the player they chased all summer in a blue shirt at Stamford Bridg throughout the season.
