Manchester United are ‘still insisting’ on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The 25-year-old has been at the centre of one of the most protracted transfer sagas of the current window and appears now closer to being reunited with former manager Erik ten Hag.

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

David Ornstein of The Athletic previously reported that United had reached an agreement with Barca over a deal worth an initial £63 million with a potential further £8.47m to be paid in add-ons.

De Jong is owed £17m in deferred wages, though, an issue that held up negotiations with the player, while he is also believed to be eager to stay put at Camp Nou.

And the Red Devils could face further complications in their attempts to bring De Jong to Old Trafford as Ornstein now claims Chelsea are attempting to hijack their move for the technician.

The Blues are said to be ‘optimistic of striking a deal’ for the Netherlands international, who is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt, as they look to continue their rebuild under new owner Todd Boehly.

Missing out on De Jong’s signature would be a bitter blow for United and Ten Hag but watching him join a domestic rival would surely represent an embarrassing set of events for the club’s hierarchy.

What has Romano said about De Jong?

Romano has informed GiveMeSport that De Jong still wants to stay at Barcelona and that United have made ‘no progress’ in their attempts to change his mind.

He told GMS: “Let's see what happens this month because now we are in August, it’s four weeks before the end of the market, and so, they will need to make a decision together with Frenkie.

“But at the moment, Man United are still insisting, but the player is still in his position; to stay at Barcelona. So, let's see if they will be able to change his mind, but as of now, still no progress.”

Has it been a good window for Man Utd?

At this moment in time, United have signed left-back Tyrell Malacia, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen.

All three players have the potential to be valuable additions to Ten Hag’s revolution, but it’s debatable whether they will be enough on their own to guide the club back into the top four.

If Cristiano Ronaldo departs, then a striker will be needed, while the departures of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard have left a gap in the midfield.