KEY POINTS

  • Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019
  • He is contracted with the Catalans until 2026
  • De Jong worked under Man Utd's new boss Ten Hag at Ajax

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a part-exchange deal to secure midfielder Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona.

The Reds Devils are willing to offer Marcus Rashford and Alex Tellas to Barcelona as a part of a deal for de Jong, apart from paying a transfer fee for the Dutchman during the 2022 summer window, reported Spanish outlet Fichajes.Net.

After missing the initial stage of the 2021-22 campaign due to a shoulder injury, Rashford has made 31 appearances so far across all competitions for Manchester United, where he has netted just five goals and two assists.

Out of the 31 games, 24 have come in the Premier League, where he has started only 12 times.

Barcelona signed de Jong at $80 million from Ajax in the summer of 2019. While the 24-year-old midfielder has had a few ups and downs at Barcelona, he has managed to be a regular member of the Camp Nou side since his debut a couple of seasons ago. Following his poor run in the underway campaign, questions have been raised regarding his future at Barcelona.

Barcelona would be happy to accept $75 million for de Jong even though they have the Netherlands national tied in a contract until 2026, according to El Chiringuito TV. However, International Business Times, could not verify it independently.

It was earlier reported that even Bayern Munich and Manchester City were monitoring de Jong’s situation at Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi with Frenkie de Jong at the end of Barcelona's 2-0 win away to Juventus
Lionel Messi with Frenkie de Jong during a Barcelona game AFP / Marco BERTORELLO

Manchester United have signed a new permanent manager in Ajax’s Erik ten Hag, who is set to take the reigns at Old Trafford from this summer. As he will look to rebuild the Red Devils squad, he wants to sign his fellow countryman de Jong, according to The Hard Tackle. It was under ten Hag at Ajax that de Jong first showed signs of becoming a world-class midfielder. After just three seasons with Ajax’s senior side, de Jong was signed by Barcelona.

In the ongoing season, de Jong has managed only four goals and five assists in 43 competitive appearances for Barcelona. Both the Catalans and Red Devils are set to finish the season without a single trophy.

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