Erik is eager to secure key duo for United vision

offer. But while Old Trafford bosses feel they are being held to ransom by the cashstrapped Catalans, Ten Hag believes he would be worth every penny.

He wants to sign Eriksen in the belief United’s midfield lacks world-class quality.

Ten Hag’s stance is that United can sign two stellar performers for the price of one because Eriksen is a free agent.

Ten Hag has been stunned by the reluctance of Timber (right) to follow him to Old Trafford.

But Holland boss Louis van Gaal’s warning that he will only select players for Qatar who are in form and being selected regularly for their club has spooked a player who has won just eight caps.

Ten Hag also wanted Nunez but accepts that using the bulk of his transfer budget to compete with Liverpool for the £85m forward would be unwise when he has other priorities. Ten

Hag has alternative transfer targets for both attack and defence but signing De Jong is paramount to his plan.

De Jong has been reluctant to talk about United’s interest while the clubs were so far apart in their valuations. But he and his agent Ali Dursun have not discouraged United, which speaks volumes.

De Jong accepts his time at the Nou Camp appears over after Barca coach Xavi admitted he could be sold for “economic reasons”.

De Jong and Eriksen are steeped in the Ajax philosophy that Ten Hag immersed himself in during just over four successful years with the Amsterdam club.

United’s new boss is on holiday but remains in contact with the club and believes that a marquee signing this summer would make a huge statement of intent.

A one-year contract is on the table for Eriksen, with the option of a further 12 months.