Man Utd reach 'broad agreement' for £72m star at Old Trafford

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By Danny Rust

Published Jul 22, 2022

Manchester United have reached a 'broad agreement' worth £72million as they look to get another summer deal over the line before the 2022/23 season begins.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag looks on prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Manchester United are struggling to persuade Frenkie de Jong to make the move to Old Trafford despite reaching a 'broad agreement' with Barcelona, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Red Devils have already spent more than £65million since the summer transfer window opened for business, but new boss Erik ten Hag is looking to splash the cash on de Jong next.

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What's the latest news involving de Jong?

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Barcelona and are willing to fork out an initial fee of £63million.

Add-ons could see the overall fee rise to in the region of £72million for the 44-cap Netherlands international.

However, the Red Devils are struggling to get the deal over the line and Spanish sources have revealed that de Jong would rather join Bayern Munich or Chelsea if he were to leave Barcelona.

Manchester United appear to be facing a tough job in convincing the central midfielder to head to Old Trafford as it is understood that he has no interest in completing the switch and, ideally, wants to remain at the Nou Camp.

A potential move away is also being held up as Barcelona are refusing to pay de Jong the £14.5million he is owed following the restructuring of his contract.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about de Jong?

Sheth believes Manchester United are in a strong position after reaching a compromise over a transfer fee for de Jong.

However, the Sky Sports reporter understands that the 25-year-old is not keen on sealing a reunion with ten Hag despite featuring under his fellow countryman 59 times at Ajax.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: "The Frankie de Jong saga just rumbles on and on and on.

"United, for their part, are quite comfortable with the position they find themselves in with regard to Frenkie de Jong and they've got a broad agreement with Barcelona for around €85million. That's around £72million, including add-ons.

"But, on the flip side, all the noises from Barcelona and Spain are suggesting he's happy there and they've got no intention to sell. He doesn't want to leave."

Would de Jong go straight into Man Utd's midfield?

The expiry of Paul Pogba's contract, along with his subsequent move to Juventus, has left a hole in Manchester United's midfield.

Therefore, it is likely that de Jong - who has won trophies in his homeland and Spain - would be seen as an ideal candidate to fill that void.

Although ten Hag has already bolstered his midfield options by luring Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford following the conclusion of his Brentford deal, parting with a significant sum would surely make de Jong one of the first names on the team-sheet.