DEAL CONFIRMED:The club has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the signing of a £50 million superstar. A four-year contract, with an option for an additional year, is expected to be finalized tonight, according to reports from transfer experts.

Manchester United have renewed their interest in Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong following the unsuccessful attempt to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The club is keen on securing a top-tier defensive midfielder to pair with Kobbie Mainoo in a double-pivot system, which has led them back to De Jong as a potential target.

Initially, United sought to bring Ugarte to Old Trafford but negotiations stalled due to PSG’s high demands. PSG wanted to recoup the substantial fee they paid to Sporting Lisbon for Ugarte the previous summer.

Given Ugarte’s limited playing time in Paris, United was unwilling to meet this hefty price, leading them to reconsider their options.

Having already invested heavily in signings such as Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro to strengthen their squad, Manchester United now faces financial constraints imposed by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. These limitations have forced the club to reassess its transfer strategy, seeking more cost-effective solutions to bolster their team.

According to reports by English journalist Michael Plant, United has turned their attention back to De Jong as an alternative to Ugarte.

This isn’t the first time De Jong has been on United’s radar; two summers ago, the club pursued him when Erik ten Hag took over as manager. However, the high price tag set by Barcelona at that time proved to be a stumbling block, and United eventually signed Casemiro instead.

Currently, there is a possibility that United could acquire De Jong for a significantly lower fee, between £30 million and £40 million.

Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles may compel them to accept a lower offer for the versatile Dutch midfielder, who stands at 1.81 meters and is capable of playing in various roles, including as a number six, number eight, or even as a center-back.

De Jong is known for his combative nature, excellent game-reading ability, and skill in making tackles and interceptions. He excels in both aerial and ground duels, using his positioning and timing to great effect.

Moreover, De Jong’s technical and playmaking skills are among his best attributes, as he consistently delivers accurate passes and dictates the tempo of games.

Despite De Jong’s suitability for Manchester United’s needs, his high salary could pose a significant hurdle in completing the transfer. However, if United can navigate this obstacle, De Jong could prove to be a valuable addition to their squad.