Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong does not want to leave Barcelona this summer, says transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have reportedly agreed a fee with the La Liga outfit to sign the Dutchman, but it appears that he has no intention of departing the Camp Nou.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

As per The Athletic, United have struck a £63m agreement with Barcelona for De Jong. That, however, could rise to £71.4m due to add-ons.

If a deal is to be completed, though, the Manchester club have some convincing to do.

While Barcelona have become open to a sale because of their financial situation, De Jong is not in a hurry to leave Spain.

Although a deal has now been agreed, The Athletic states United must now convince the 25-year-old midfielder to make the switch from the Camp Nou to Old Trafford, which does not look like an easy task.

What has Romano said about De Jong and United?

Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that De Jong loves being at Barcelona and does not want to leave the club for United this summer.

Speaking to GMS on Tuesday, the journalist said: "As of today, I'm told that it's still the same situation. He wants to continue at Barcelona. He loves the city, the club, everything about Barcelona, so he doesn't want to leave. The situation is pretty clear on Frenkie's side."

How badly do United need De Jong?

From Erik ten Hag's perspective, it seems essential that United recruit a holding midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Speaking about the matter recently, the United manager said (via Daily Mirror): "We're looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one.

"There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position. We need the right player. We have a list and we will strike the moment the player is available."

The Red Devils have been linked with other midfielders, such as Wolves' Ruben Neves, but the above suggests it could be De Jong or nothing for Ten Hag.

There is clearly a lot of work to be done if United are to land De Jong this summer despite the Premier League outfit agreeing a fee with Barcelona for the Netherlands international. It looks tricky but certainly not impossible with the transfer window not closing until the beginning of September.