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Erik ten Hag ‘convinced Frenkie De Jong to complete Man Utd transfer’ but talks over £80m switch from Barcelona continue
ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly used his powers of persuasion to convince Frenkie de Jong to join Manchester United.
But the Red Devils remain locked in talks with Barcelona over a deal for the Dutchman.
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De Jong, 25, had initially been sceptical about joining United when he emerged as a top target for new boss Ten Hag.
The pair worked together at Ajax before De Jong joined Barcelona in 2019, and the midfielder has now come around to the idea of reuniting with his former boss.
According to the , Ten Hag has successfully convinced De Jong to join his project at Old Trafford.
Initially De Jong had pointed out United's failure to qualify for the Champions League meant he didn't want to join the club.
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But the Red Devils gaffer wants to build his team around classy midfielder De Jong.
And in talks between the pair, Ten Hag is said to have informed De Jong of his plans to restore United to their former glory.
But despite Ten Hag doing his bit, United and Barca remain locked in talks over a transfer fee for the Dutch international.
The Red Devils have had a £60million bid turned down for De Jong,
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Spanish paper claim Barca want another £10m, plus add-ons, in order to part ways with the midfielder.
Initially it had been reported that the LaLiga giants were holding out for up to £89m - which would match the club-record fee spent by United on Paul Pogba in 2019.
But the financial uncertainty currently plaguing the Nou Camp means they are likely to sell up for less than that figure.
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