Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, will wait until the final day of the transfer window to sign top midfield target Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag has no plans to abandon his pursuit of the 25-year-old Dutch star, who is embroiled in a dispute with Barcelona over £17 million in deferred wages.
The Dutchman has stated publicly that he wishes to remain at the Nou Camp and will travel to the United States as part of Barcelona’s pre-season tour ahead of their opening game against David Beckham’s Inter Miami on Wednesday (July 20).
However, sources close to the player claim that he is in constant contact with Ten Hag and is eager to join his former Ajax manager at Old Trafford.
The midfielder and his tough negotiating agent, Ali Dursan, believe that expressing a public desire to join United will weaken their position as they battle Barcelona for payment of De Jong’s owed money.
The saga has enraged many United fans, who are baffled as to why the club is pursuing a player who has stated his desire to remain at Barcelona.
But Ten Hag and United’s hierarchy are aware of De Jong’s strategy, which is why Chief Executive Richard Arnold and Director of Football John Murtagh were seen meeting with Barcelona officials last week in Spain.
