Barcelona reject €60m bid for De Jong during ‘ongoing’ transfer talks

The Dutch star is Man United’s main transfer target ahead of the next season.

Barcelona have reportedly rejected Manchester United’s opening bid for Frenkie de Jong.

Since the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, reports around United’s interest in signing De Jong have intensified. The midfielder has worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, with the new United manager reportedly pushing for a reunion.

According to Sky Sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United made their opening bid for De Jong on June 1.

However, Barcelona have reportedly rejected their proposal of a €60m fee plus €10m in add-ons. The Spanish giants, however, are still in negotiations with United over a potential transfer.

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De Jong himself has repeatedly expressed his interest in remaining at Camp Nou. According to Spanish sources, the Dutchman wants to play Champions League football next season, and he feels comfortable playing under Xavi Hernandez.

“I have enough confidence in myself [to be a success at Barcelona], I am not afraid,” De Jong told Algemeen Dagblad earlier this month.

“I recently spoke extensively with the trainer [Xavi]. That was a very good conversation.

“I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I used to be naive and open-minded about it. But I don’t do that any more.

“I understand that that link is made. That sum is not that difficult, it is logical.

“I have enjoyed working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the future, of course. But I prefer to stay at Barcelona.

“That has always been my dream club and it still is. As long as I don’t hear from the club management, I assume nothing is going on.”