Manchester United Moves to Sign De Jong
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Manchester United have made a move in a bid to sign Netherlands international, Nigel de Jong in a €10 million deal.
New manager, Louis van Gaal had said he’s comfortable with his current midfield players, after the addition of Ander Herrera, but might add Kevin Strootman to his squad upon full recovery from a serious knee injury.
Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, is however said to be working tirelessly in a bid to strengthen the club’s squad options and, having identified De Jong as a potential recruit, met with the Milan midfielder’s representatives in London on Tuesday.
The Dutchman could now become United’s third major summer signing, following on from the arrivals of Herrera and Luke Shaw, as talks are said to have gone well, with De Jong desperate to link up with Van Gaal. Both men worked together in the Netherlands national team.
During the world cup, the 29-year-old was forced out of the second round victory over Mexico early on with a groin problem, but made a remarkable return from injury for the semi-final defeat to Argentina and was singled out for praise by Van Gaal for his contribution during the group stages.
“I don’t like singling out players, but Nigel de Jong was inspirational,” Van Gaal said after the 3-2 victory over Australia.
United’s move for De Jong comes on the back of a prolonged and thus far unsuccessful pursuit of Juventus midfielder, Arturo Vidal.
