Man Utd: Ten Hag 'pushing ahead' with deal for £164k-a-week star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and will ‘keep pressing’ for an Old Trafford switch despite Chelsea nearing a deal, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is looking to seal a reunion with the central midfielder having previously managed the Barcelona star during their time together at Ajax.

It seems that Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to recruit de Jong as, according to Spanish sources, the west Londoners are close to agreeing a deal worth more than £67.6million with Barcelona.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are still waiting on a decision from the Dutchman as to whether he is willing to head to Stamford Bridge.

However, 90min have revealed that Manchester United are not giving up without a fight and remain in the hunt for de Jong’s signature.

The report suggests ten Hag, who was appointed as the Red Devils’ chief following the conclusion of last season, has already held talks with the 44-cap Netherlands international on a number of occasions.

Manchester United initially appeared to be in the driving seat to sign the 25-year-old after reaching a £63million agreement with Barcelona last month, but the deal failed to go through.

Jones understands that Manchester United remain determined in their efforts to lure de Jong, who is currently on a contract worth £164,000-per-week at Barcelona, to Old Trafford.

Although the Red Devils have agreed a £15million fee with Juventus for fellow midfielder Adrien Rabiot, the transfer insider insists that will not end the efforts to get a deal over the line.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They won’t give up on de Jong until either deadline day has passed or he’s ended up in a Chelsea shirt.

“They’ll