Ten Hag ‘confident of luring De Jong to Man Utd’ despite Champions League aim

FRENKIE DE JONG'S desire to play in the Champions League does not appear to have hindered Erik ten Hag's plans to sign him.

The Manchester United boss is convinced he can persuade his fellow Dutchman to join the Old Trafford revolution, according to reports.

SunSport exclusively revealed last week that the Red Devils have opened talks with Barcelona over a deal for De Jong.

Meanwhile reports in Spain suggest Ten Hag is confident he will be able to convince De Jong to join his project.

Mundo Deportivo say the 25-year-old is said to be happy at Barcelona and "prioritises" playing in the Champions League - something Ten Hag cannot offer.

After a shock elimination at the group stage last season, a second place finish in LaLiga means De Jong will be playing in Europe's elite competition if he stays at Barca.

De Jong may need some persuading after saying last week Barcelona was his "dream" club and he wants to stay.

But the midfielder did play under Ten Hag at Ajax and the United gaffer is claimed to be optimistic an agreement can be reached.

Ten Hag is said to want to build his team around De Jong as he bids to lead the club back to its former glory.

A new central midfielder is a must for the upcoming window, with both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic confirmed to be leaving.

The Red Devils are hoping to seal a deal for De Jong for £50million, while Barcelona are demanding at least the £67m they paid for him three years ago.

Although Barcelona's perilous financial position means they may be forced into a sale.

Chiefs at the club are claimed to be split over whether to let De Jong leave or not.

While the midfielder is a key figure at the Nou Camp, the financial rewards from a sale mean some technical figures are open to letting him leave.