Man Utd to submit delayed Frenkie de Jong transfer bid after 'serious doubts' emerge

Manchester United are expected to make a second bid for Frenkie de Jong, despite the Barcelona midfielder reportedly having 'serious doubts' over the transfer.

De Jong, 25, is one of United's main transfer targets this summer. The Red Devils have already had a bid of €60million (£51.6m) rejected by Barcelona, who paid £65m for the Netherlands international when he arrived from Dutch side Ajax three years ago.

New United boss Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax - winning a league and cup double together in 2018-19 - and is keen to sign at least one new midfielder in the summer transfer window after the club allowed Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic to depart.

Ten Hag is yet to make his first signing as United manager as he looks to rebuild the stuttering team. The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season - recording their lowest points tally (58) since the 1989-90 term - and haven't won a trophy for five years.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United will table a second bid for De Jong in the coming days. Barcelona have slapped a €100m (£86m) price tag on the 44-cap international, although it's believed they will accept €75m (£64.6m) plus add-ons.

That would allow Barcelona recuperate the investment they made three years ago - and potentially make a profit. De Jong's valuation hasn't decreased since his move as he's played 140 games and proven himself at the highest level, helping Xavi's side finish second in La Liga last season.

He also still has four years remaining on his existing deal, meaning Barcelona aren't in a rush to make a decision on his future. It's believed the Catalan giants will let De Jong leave the club for the right price as they have several central midfielders on