By Ikolaba Olanrewaju
De Jong has publicly and privately said he would prefer to stay at Barca -- as reaffirmed by former coach Ronald Koeman on Monday -- but could be forced to reconsider his position given the Catalan club's push to move him on.
Barca paid €75 for De Jong when they signed him from Ajax in 2019 with another €11m in potential add-ons.
United are looking to bolster their midfield after the departures of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic at the end of the season. Matic has joined Roma on a free transfer while Pogba will join Juventus.
Ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax and has been keen to bring the 25-year-old to United. Barcelona is also keen to let the player leave in an effort to overcome their financial problems and fund other transfer businesses this summer.
After completing their move for De Jong, United will turn their attention to signing a versatile forward who can play in a number of positions across the front line.
Brazilian winger Antony is on the list of potential targets, but so far United has been put off by Ajax's €80m valuation. United believe a fee closer to €40m is more in line with the 22-year-old's market value but Ajax has made it clear they are under no pressure to offload the forward despite the player encouraging any offers to be seriously considered.
Sources have also told Media Bypass News that United is waiting to hear from Christian Eriksen about where he will play next season. United have been encouraged by Tottenham backing away from a deal, but Eriksen also has an offer from Brentford, where he spent the second half of last season.
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