Manchester United have lodged an opening offer for Frenkie de Jong thought to be comprised of 60m euros and an additional 20m euros in potential add-ons, according to reports in Spain.
The Red Devils are looking to take advantage of Barcelona's perilous financial situation in swooping for the 24-year-old, who shot to stardom under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and whom the new Manchester United boss has made his priority signing since arriving at Old Trafford.
Should he join, de Jong would massively add to the quality in the Red Devils’ midfield, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic having now left on free transfers, leaving just Fred and Scott McTominay as options in the middle of the pitch.
And, as per Marca, despite de Jong's desire to remain in Catalonia, should the right bid come in, it will be accepted as Barcelona continue working on deals for up to five players, including two free agents that they cannot yet register due to La Liga regulations.
The Spanish outlet report that such a bid has been made by Manchester United, too, claiming that the Red Devils have offered '60 million fixed plus another 20 in variables', which are 'close to the demands of Barcelona'.
As a result, it is thought that the club 'is seriously studying the proposal'. a claim echoed by other Spanish sources.
As per journalist Gerard Romero, 'one of the [Barcelona] players' agents wrote to me that the process of Frenkie with United has begun'.
Just how reliable such sources prove remains to be seen, but the rumour continues to do the rounds and may well drag on well into the new season.