Manchester United report: Red Devils plot last-ditch attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United are refusing to rule out a last-gasp deal to sign Frenkie de Jong on deadline day, according to reports.

The longest-running saga of this summer's window will reach a conclusion one way or another on Thursday, with Premier League clubs given until 11pm to complete their deals.

United have splashed the cash in recent weeks, taking their overall spending to around £214m after the acquisitions of Casemiro from Real Madrid and Antony from Ajax.

And they could splash out another large sum on De Jong in the coming hours, with the Daily Mirror reporting that United are prepared to reopen talks with Barcelona and the player's representatives.

El Chiringuito revealed that De Jong flew to London earlier this week after Barcelona players were given a couple of days off ahead of their La Liga match against Sevilla this weekend.

ESPN report that the trip was not related to any possible transfer to the Premier League, but United believe they could yet succeed in their prolonged pursuit of the former Ajax man.

Barcelona have also spent plenty of money this summer and the club may need to shift one or two players on deadline day in order to balance the books.

De Jong has been adamant from the start that he intends to stay at the Camp Nou, where he feels he has unfinished business after just three years at the club.

Any potential exit is further complicated by the fact that the Netherlands international is reluctant to leave Barcelona before he receives money he is owed on deferred salary payments, thought to be in the region of £14m.

United face an uphill struggle in their bid to revive this deal, but stranger things have happened on transfer deadline days gone by.

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Antony has arrived to tip Manchester United’s summer spending beyond £200m. Despite this, United may still be active in the window late on: Memphis Depay has been linked with a shock return, with more deals planned. 

Attacking target Christian Pulisic is set to remain at Stamford Bridge, though Victor Osimhen may be on the radar. Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco has been touted, while both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jamie Vardy were at point linked. United were also interested in Bayer Leverkusen-bound Callum Hudson-Odoi and Atletico apparently offered a swap deal to bring Ronaldo to Madrid. 

Erik ten Hag has admitted uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, while hailing Bruno Fernandes amidst Scott McTominay’s handball controversy. Elsewhere, pundits have been torn over the new Red Devils signings with Graeme Souness suggesting Lisandro Martinez will be “found out” and Rio Ferdinand scoffing at Souness’s comments about Casemiro.