United crack up pressure on De Jong with desire to get deal done soon

Frenkie de Jong has become one of the big stories of the transfer window. Barcelona have put him in the shop window and Manchester United's interest has opened the door to a huge transfer, something the English side are trying to push through.

Negotiations between Barça and United have become more direct and they are working on an €80 million deal. Now all the pressure is on the player. United are trying to convince him to accept becoming the leader of their project. For now, he has not said 'no,' although he's reluctant to leave Camp Nou. Next week will be decisive because no one wants this to drag on.

TalkSPORT report that De Jong is more open to accepting United's offer. That's the impression the English club have after recent contact with his camp. They are listening and the new United coach, Erik ten Hag, is seriously hopeful he can convince De Jong, who he coached at Ajax previously.

What United are clear on is that they will up his pay packet and make him the leader of a project which they hope will see them compete for the Premier League and take them back into the Champions League. They are not short of resources to try and catch up with the clubs ahead of them, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea -- and even Arsenal and Tottenham this season.

De Jong has insisted that he wants to stay at Barça, but also is clear that the new system does not allow him to be at his best. In addition, he is aware that Barça are open to selling him to United despite words of support from Xavi because he is not the focal point of the team.

Barça don't hide that he is an excellent player and a great pro, but the financial situation will force tough decisions this summer and his sale could allow them to strengthen elsewhere. It could be a necessary sacrifice.

United need to know either way quickly. They are working hard on remodeling their squad and will pursue other targets if De Jong does not want to join them. United really want midfielders. Man City, PSG and Bayern have also sounded out a move for De Jong, but only United are ready to pay what Barça want at the moment.