Man Utd ‘issue Frenkie de Jong transfer ultimatum as Erik ten Hag and Co look to avoid late-window panic buys’

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly issued Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong a transfer ultimatum warning they are prepared to move on.

The Red Devils are hoping Erik ten Hag can rebuild the club to its glory days.

One of the ways the Dutchman can do it is by getting his recruitment right.

Man Utd were linked with a move for Ten Hag's former Ajax player De Jong, who could be available for a transfer away from Barca this summer.

But according to SPORT, United are seeking a final answer from De Jong on whether he wants to make the move, issuing an ultimatum.

United are keen for the transfer saga not to drag out and are prepared to move on from the midfielder to avoid panic buys, despite being confident in agreeing a £70million deal with Barca.

Other midfield targets include West Ham's Declan Rice and Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni.

But both could cost considerably more than Dutch international De Jong.

In fact, United will need more than just De Jong to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season with Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba both set to leave at the end of their deals.

There's also reports that United WILL NOT splash the cash on transfers during Ten Hag's first year.

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That is despite the fact the club's hierarchy announced a total revenue increase of 29 per cent in the Red Devils' third quarter financial results.

Business is returning to normal at Old Trafford after the coronavirus pandemic.

But net debt has risen £52m since last year.

United will instead focus their investment on their recruitment system and that initiative will be led by football director John Murtough.