Manchester United are 'really close to an agreement' and edging towards succeeding in their bid to lure Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Erik ten Hag, fresh from being appointed as the Red Devils' new boss at the conclusion of last season, is looking to freshen up his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
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What's the latest news involving de Jong?
Romano has revealed Manchester United have agreed a fixed fee with Barcelona but are still discussing the add-ons structure which would see the deal for de Jong end up being worth £73million.
It is understood that the Red Devils have yet to discuss personal terms with the central midfielder, whose preference is to remain with his current employers rather than heading to Old Trafford.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted he has no intention of sanctioning de Jong's departure but has suggested the Dutchman will have to take a pay cut in order to remain at the Nou Camp.
The 25-year-old’s current Barcelona deal, which still has four years to run, is worth £164,000-per-week.
However, Manchester United have potentially been boosted in their pursuit as Romano has previously told GIVEMESPORT that de Jong is not interested in discussing a wage decrease.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about de Jong?
Romano has hinted Barcelona may be forced into doing a deal for de Jong as they have been unable to negotiate fresh terms with the 44-cap Netherlands international.
The transfer guru believes Manchester United are on the brink of getting their man, with the add-ons proving to be the only obstacle at present.
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Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "The salary has always been the biggest issue for Barcelona.
"What's going on is there is a negotiation between Manchester United and Barcelona. They are really close to an agreement, but it is not done yet because they need to discuss the add-ons and how to activate them."
Would de Jong be a coup signing for Man United?
De Jong finished in the 96th and 92nd percentiles for progressive carrying distance and pass completion rate among midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues last season, emphasising that he is a huge talent.
According to WhoScored, the Barcelona star recorded an average match rating of 7.06, which shows that he is a consistently high performer in the middle of the park.
De Jong is someone Manchester United chief ten Hag knows well, having selected him on 59 occasions during their time together at Ajax.
He has clinched silverware in his homeland and while with his current employers, so de Jong would clearly bring a winning mentality to Old Trafford.