Manchester United and Barcelona are trying to get the transfer of Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong over the line, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The former Ajax midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer, with both clubs reportedly agreeing a package fee of £72m for the Dutchman.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What’s the latest on de Jong?
The sticking point for de Jong’s move to Manchester United is that the 25-year-old is not convinced on a move to Old Trafford himself, with personal terms still being the key issue to be resolved between Erik ten Hag’s side and the midfielder.
Not only that, but Barcelona reportedly owe the midfielder a reported £17m, due to the player deferring some of his wages during the Covid-19 pandemic.
With ten Hag at the helm of the Manchester club this season, de Jong may jump at the opportunity to reunite with his former manager at Ajax, who famously led a young side including the midfielder to within seconds of a Champions League final appearance in 2019.
And Romano believes ten Hag is a big fan of de Jong - who was touted with signing a £250k-per-week contract at Old Trafford - and that both clubs will be happy if they can get the deal over the line for different reasons.
What has Romano said about de Jong?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Manchester United and Barcelona are trying [to get the deal done] because, as we know, Barcelona need to do this deal financially.
“Manchester United want to do this deal for ten Hag who is a big fan of de Jong, and he needs him, so the message has always been pretty clear.”
Would de Jong be a good signing for Manchester United?
It is easy to see why ten Hag is desperate for the signing of de Jong, according to Romano, with the midfielder being able to offer a dynamism that no other midfielder at the club can provide for him.
The 44-time Netherlands international made 47 appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring four goals and providing five assists for the Catalan giants, according to Transfermarkt.
De Jong is likely to want to get the ball forward should he sign for United this summer, and this is shown by the fact he ranked in the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for progressive passes received per 90 minutes last season (4.74) and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90 (7.08) according to FBref.
And an average SofaScore rating of 7.10 for his performances in La Liga last season suggests that the Dutchman is a consistent performer, and can be relied on at the top level when called upon.
The longer this transfer saga drags on, the more tiresome it becomes for both Manchester United and Barcelona, so it would be in both clubs best interests to try and convince de Jong to make the move, and get this deal over the line.