Louis van Gaal has suggested former side Manchester United will be getting a real bargain if they are successful in their bid to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer.
New United boss Erik ten Hag has made de Jong his top transfer target with the Dutchman identifying him as the ideal player to rebuild United’s midfield with.
With Barcelona under pressure to sell, United are close to agreeing a fee of €60m plus €20m in add-ons with the La Liga giants.
A recent CIES Football Observatory report however claims de Jong’s true value is €112m.
With De Jong shining while on international duty in recent wins over Belgium and Wales, Netherlands boss van Gaal said of his price tag: ‘Frenkie de Jong brings extra quality to this team and that’s why he’s worth €112m.’
United are also interested in signing de Jong’s Netherlands teammate Jurrien Timber, who is coming off the back of a fine season with Ajax under ten Hag.
While the new United boss is eager for a quick reunion in Manchester, van Gaal has warned the young defender not to leave the Amsterdam club this summer.
‘I think a player with his [Timber’s] qualities can play in the Premier League,’ Van Gaal said this week.
‘That’s not a problem. But if he has to make this step now… that’s another question.‘It is not so wise I think [to move to United]. He has to play.’
MORE : Frenkie de Jong’s agent jetting into Barcelona for emergency talks over Manchester United move
MORE : What Erik ten Hag has told Frenkie de Jong to convince him to join Manchester United this summer
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