Man Utd 'willing to wait until deadline day' for £72m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is willing to take it down to the wire as he continues to target a Frenkie de Jong reunion at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ten Hag has succeeded in luring Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez to the club this summer, but Barcelona midfielder de Jong has evaded him so far.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have agreed an initial fee of £63million as they look to close in on the signing of de Jong.

The report suggests that, including add-ons, the Red Devils could end up parting with as much as £72million in order to secure the 44-cap Netherlands international’s services.

However, it is understood that Manchester United are still struggling to get a deal over the line because Barcelona are refusing to pay de Jong the £14.5million he is owed following the restructuring of his contract.

While de Jong still has four years remaining on his £164,000-per-week agreement, his current employers would welcome his departure as the hierarchy are restructuring much of the club’s £850million-plus debts.

Ten Hag is looking to seal a reunion with the 25-year-old after selecting him on 59 occasions during their time together at Ajax.

Jones claims Manchester United will continue to pursue de Jong, even if it means trying to complete a deal on September 1.

The transfer insider has even suggested the Red Devils could look to sign the Dutchman on loan if it becomes clear that a permanent switch will not be possible.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think they would take de Jong even if it came down to deadline day.

“I think he’s that important to the way that they map it out that they would allow this to drag on and they’re expecting that it will drag on.

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