ERIK TEN HAG has opened the door to a shock second bid for Frenkie de Jong this summer.
The Manchester United boss had an offer of £56.2million accepted by Barcelona last year but the midfielder refused to move until he had settled an issue over back-dated wages and the deal collapsed.
Ten Hag said: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.
“If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger.”
The boss added that the Dutch international would bring a flair to any side as he did for him in Ajax and now does for Barcelona.
He said: “I think we had a team in 2019 with a lot of fascination and he brings a lot of fascination.
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“He has developed and, in Spain, become even better.
“He’s a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him.”
It comes after Barca chief Xavi insisted De Jong never wanted to depart last summer.
The Spaniard said: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
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“He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.”
Ten Hag’s Red Devils face Barcelona on Thursday in the first leg of their play-off tie in the Nou Camp to get into the last 16 of the Europa League.
And they will be without the one midfielder they DID sign in January.
Loanee Marcel Sabitzer is ineligible as he played for parent club Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
