Manchester United hope to make Frenkie de Jong the first signing for Erik ten Hag – but need to pay a premium fee.

TEN HAG SIGNING

Manchester United’s new manager, Erik ten Hag, is reportedly on the cusp of finalising the transfer of Frenkie de Jong.

The incoming Red Devils boss has a huge task on his hands to get his side challenging for the top honours again. Needing to rebuild their side, United have badly underperformed this season and look likely to finish sixth.

As such, wholesale changes will need to be made, with as many as 12 players getting the axe.

Naturally, Ten Hag wants to strengthen all areas of his side, with defence and attack being the obvious areas to focus on.

But his first signing looks increasingly likely to be a midfielder, with a deal for De Jong now reportedly close.

The Dutch midfielder is reportedly one of nine players that Barca are looking to offload this summer.

The Spanish giants remain low on funds and will need to wheel and deal again this summer.

According to transfer expert Gerard Romero, via the Daily Express, a deal to take De Jong to United is now on the brink.

He claims United will pay a staggering £69m for the Dutchman. Furthermore, Romero states there is a ’95 per cent probability’ of the midfielder moving to United this summer.

Romero adds that Barca boss Xavi would like to keep De Jong, but his sale is purely for 'economical reasons’.

Ten Hag is right to look at De Jong.

The incoming Manchester United manager will urgently need quality additions in midfield. With Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata all leaving them light in that area, the need for new signings there is obvious.

And De Jong is a player Ten Hag knows well, having overseen his early years in the Ajax midfield.

Erik Ten Hag wants Frenkie de Jong at Manchester United.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag wants to sign Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona.

Classy star Frenkie De Jong thrived under Ten Hag’s management, though he has had a harder time of things since moving to Barcelona.

And while he has previously expressed a disliking for the British weather, his signing is one that ticks plenty of boxes.

The midfielder should help United gain more control in games—something they have particularly lacked this season. An excellent passer of the ball, De Jong should also help give United’s defenders more protection too.

And while the fee looks steep, United are going to have to pay a premium price if they want to add quality to their midfield.

CHELSEA KEEN ON SERGINO DEST.

De Jong might not be the only Barcelona player switching to the Premier League this summer.

Indeed, as per Sport, Chelsea are looking to bring in versatile full-back Sergino Dest.

The Blues are in desperate need of defensive additions this summer, with a number of departures on the cards. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will both depart for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

The Blues are also in danger of losing Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta, leaving them light in the full-back areas.

As such, it’s no shock to see Chelsea looking towards USA star Dest.

The full-back, who can play left-back or right-back, is one of those nine players they are looking to move on from.

Dest is likely to leave for a bargain fee of around £17m.

We have previously reported the 21-year-old is on Leeds United’s summer shopping list. However, the Whites have fallen back in the race, especially given their battle for Premier League survival.

TOTTENHAM TARGET TRIPLE EVERTON RAID

The Daily Telegraph reports that TottenhamTottenham are looking to raid Everton for three of their players this summer.

Antonio Conte is really looking to make his mark on his Tottenham squad this summer and seemingly sees Everton as easy pickings.

And the paper claims Spurs want to pinch forwards Richarlison and Anthony Gordon and centre-half Ben Godfrey this summer.

Of the three, it would be the capture of Richarlison that would grab the most attention.

The Brazilian has endured an indifferent season amid Everton’s battle to beat the drop.

As such, his name has often been the subject of speculation as talk of a summer switch rises.

Winger Gordon has also enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season at Goodison. Flourishing under Frank Lampard’s management, the 21-year-old has, at times, carried Everton’s survival push on his shoulders.

Jeremy Godfrey, meanwhile, is another player reportedly interested in Conte.

He was a player Tottenham had previously looked at during his days at Norwich.

And Godfrey has made 27 appearances for Everton this season, impressing in the heart of defence despite the Toffees’ difficult campaign.