Man Utd: Ten Hag 'charming' £72m star to Old Trafford

Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong is now open to moving to Old Trafford, claims talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Barcelona midfielder continues to be heavily linked with a transfer to the Premier League side, and Crook thinks a switch will happen this summer.

Last week, The Guardian reported that United had an offer of around £60m for De Jong turned down by Barcelona.

According to the newspaper, the Spanish giants are looking for a fee in the region of €85m (£72m).

De Jong was heavily used during the 2021/22 season, making 46 appearances in all competitions, while the 25-year-old has indicated in the past that he would like to stay at the Camp Nou for many more years.

However, because of Barcelona’s financial situation, it now looks like they could be forced to sell him in this transfer window.

De Jong to Man United is ON! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Crook has told GIVEMESPORT that Erik ten Hag has been working behind the scenes to get this deal done and that De Jong is now open to a move after some initial doubts.

Speaking to GMS, the talkSPORT reporter said: “I think De Jong will happen. There’s been a bit of toing and froing because I think originally he wasn’t keen to leave Barca.

“He wants to play in the Champions League, but I think Ten Hag’s been doing a bit of work behind the scenes to sort of charm him. He’s now open to joining United.”

De Jong will not be coming to United to sit on the bench, so one of Fred or Scott McTominay may have to make way – though a lot could depend on what formation Ten Hag chooses to use.

Fred has not always performed at Old Trafford, so it would not be a surprise if the Brazilian was sacrificed by Ten Hag.

“Sometimes I think if you’re going to play in midfield for a