Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong initially gave Erik ten Hag a ‘negative’ response when he called the Dutchman to convince him to join Manchester United.
The Netherlands international is a key target for Ten Hag, who wants to improve his midfield as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave.
De Jong, 25, worked under Ten Hag for up to 18 months at Ajax and the duo remain close.
Ten Hag has been given around £120m to spend by the Red devils board this summer, though he can top up that budget through player sales.
He wants to spend around £70m of that budget on signing De Jong but, though Barcelona are happy to sanction his exit, the midfielder appears less keen.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ten Hag recently called De Jong to convince him to move to Old Trafford but his first response was a ‘negative’ one.
De Jong is currently happy in Spain and feels he has earned the trust of Xavi, who was his idol when he was growing up and he wants to remain in the UEFA Champions League.
But, Barcelona must balance the books given their financial issues and the board are willing to override Xavi’s wishes by sanctioning De Jong’s exit.
That’s left De Jong with a realistic view of his future and it’s reported his view on joining United has softened in recent weeks.
De Jong appreciates the effort that Ten Hag has gone to towards convincing him to sign for the club and if he has to leave Barcelona, he’s keen on playing under the Dutchman again.
However, his first preference still remains to stay at Barcelona.
