Manchester United have a 'broad agreement' with Barcelona for the transfer of Frenkie de Jong and the midfielder is 'open' to sealing a switch to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The Red Devils have entered a new era, with Erik ten Hag taking over as their new boss ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, and de Jong is firmly among his targets.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What's the latest news involving de Jong?
According to The Athletic, Manchester United have agreed an initial fee of £63million for Barcelona star de Jong.
The report suggests potential add-ons could result in the overall fee rising to in the region of £72million for the 44-cap Netherlands international.
However, a potential move away from the Nou Camp is being held up as Barcelona are refusing to pay de Jong the £14.5million he is owed following the restructuring of his contract.
The 25-year-old, who made 45 appearances last season, still has four years remaining on his £164,000-per-week deal.
New Manchester United chief ten Hag knows de Jong well, having selected him on 59 occasions during their time together at Ajax.
What has Dharmesh Sheth said about de Jong?
Sheth believes de Jong is willing to swap Barcelona for Manchester United and the two clubs have held successful negotiations.
But the Sky Sports reporter feels the finances are proving to be a stumbling block in the central midfielder's move to Old Trafford.
Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: "I think the player is open to doing it and I think Barcelona have got a broad agreement with it.
"It's just these wages and the amount of money that it involves that's the issue."
Who have Manchester United signed so far?
Left-back Tyrell Malacia became the first signing of the ten Hag era as he completed a £14.7million switch from Dutch side Feyenoord earlier this month.
He was followed through the door by Denmark international central midfielder Christian Eriksen, who opted to join Manchester United after his Brentford contract expired at the end of June.
A £55.3million agreement has also been reached with reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax for Lisandro Martinez, which means he is set to strengthen the Red Devils' defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway.
As a result, Manchester United have spent more than £65million to bolster ten Hag's squad, but there is still plenty of time for the Dutchman to add further reinforcements before the September 1 deadline.