Manchester United have made their move for Frenkie de Jong and the Dutch star is expected to become Erik ten Hag’s first signing at the club, while Arsenal are chasing Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, all in Saturday’s Transfer Gossip.
FRENKIE DE JONG BID
Manchester United have made their move for Frenkie de Jong with reports claiming an opening bid has been rejected by Barcelona.
The BBC suggest “contact” between the clubs has been made, while a number of reports claim a bid has been lodged.
Erik ten Hag is understood to have targeted the former Ajax playmaker as his first signing at Old Trafford. And The Guardian claim United have had an opening bid of £51.3m, plus a potential £8.5m in add-ins rejected by Barcelona.
Barca value the Holland international around the £72m mark and the outlet suggest the clubs remain in contact.
The Mirror report that United tested the water with Barca knowing the LaLiga club were likely to reject it. And United are ready to up their initial offer with De Jong understood to be willing to join United.
Barca are thought to be ready to cash in on De Jong as they look to fund a move for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
Personal terms should be simple for United to formulate. And the paper suggest De Jong “is expected” to become Ten Hag’s first signing once a fee can be agreed.
ARSENAL SET ASIDE £42m FOR MILINKOVIC-SAVIC
Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing to make a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports Corriere dello Sport.
The future of Swiss star Granit Xhaka is far from assured at The Emirates. And boss Mikel Arteta is looking at midfield alternatives.
Per the report , Arsenal are willing to pay over £42m to sign the imposing midfielder.
However, Lazio will hold out for £55m for the long-time Manchester United target, who has two years left on his contract.
Newcastle are also understood to be interested in the midfielder, who is looking down “a cul-de-sac” in Rome.
WEGHORST SET TO JUMP SHIP
And finally, two-goal Burnley striker Wout Weghorst is looking to leave Burnley after their relegation and Eintracht Frankfurt are interested, according to SPORT1.
The Netherlands forward arrived at Turf Moor from Wolfsburg on deadline day for a fee of around £12m. The 29-year-old was signed by the Clarets to replace Chris Wood. But after a bright start Weghorst failed to deliver the goals to keep the club in the top flight.
Weghorst ended the season with two goals and three assists from 20 games. And now he is ready to link up again Eintracht boss Oliver Glasner, whom he worked with at VfL Wolfsburg.
