🗞 Sources close to De Jong say that privately he is in constant dialogue with Erik Ten Hag and is willing to join him. The midfielder and his agent believe expressing a public wish to join #mufc will weaken their position regarding the money De Jong is owed.
🗞 But Ten Hag and #mufc’s hierarchy know De Jong’s strategy – and it’s why Chief Executive Richard Arnold and Director of Football John Murtagh were spotted meeting Barcelona officials in Spain last week.
🗞 Discussions have already taken place over #mufc paying the wages De Jong is owed and reducing the transfer fee accordingly. But complicated tax implications as well as abiding by UEFA and FIFA codes of practice have made that a non-starter.
🗞 Erik ten Hag told #mufc chiefs weeks ago he didn’t want the chase for De Jong to become a protracted transfer saga lasting all summer, but the wages issue is beyond United’s control – and he has told negotiators to keep pressing for the deal to happen.
🗞 Erik ten Hag sees De Jong as central to his plans and was the first player he spoke to when he agreed to take over. He’s convinced that the player can help #mufc close the gap on the Premier League’s big guns with his ability to dictate midfield tempo.
🗞 Erik ten Hag knows it’s a gamble to wait until the end of the transfer window to seal De Jong’s signature, but he’s the outstanding candidate for the role with #mufc – and as yet he’s not advised Arnold and Murtough to pursue alternative targets. [The Sunday People] #mufc #manutd
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