Manchester United are unlikely to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong before tomorrow's transfer deadline, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 25-year-old has been a key target for Erik ten Hag all summer but now looks set to remain at the Spotify Camp Nou.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving De Jong?

As well as United, Chelsea were also thought to have been very keen on signing De Jong. Speaking on his Twitch channel (via Daily Express), the reliable Gerard Romero recently claimed that the west London club had offered the player a £15.5m-a-year contract.

It seems, though, that not even a huge proposal like that will be able to tempt De Jong away from Barcelona.

Prior, The Athletic had reported that United had reached an €85m (£73m) agreement with Barcelona to sign the Dutchman, but that was back in July, showing the complexity of this transfer saga.

According to the same outlet, he was Ten Hag's main target for this window.

What has Romano said about De Jong and United?

With De Jong intent on remaining at the Spotify Camp Nou, Romano says a move to United before tomorrow's deadline is unlikely.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian journalist said: "I think it's really, really unlikely as of now. Man United have been pushing for three months and Chelsea have been pushing in July and August. They tried and tried and tried with big money, with big proposals, but Frenkie wants to stay in Barcelona.

"Honestly, I don't see any reason for him to say, 'Ok, I'm leaving in the final hours of the market.' But I'm not Frenkie de Jong unfortunately, so it's up to him."

Do United need De Jong?

Few managers would turn down a midfielder of De Jong's quality, if any at all.

"For me, Frenkie is a great player," his current boss Xavi said at the end of last season (via Manchester Evening News). "He’s a beast - I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club."

Following the acquisition of Casemiro from Real Madrid, though, United's need to sign De Jong is probably not as pressing as it was prior to the Brazilian's arrival at Old Trafford.

Casemiro should bring a lot to United at the base of their midfield, with the 30-year-old ranking in the 89th percentile for tackles and the 95th percentile for blocks among his positional peers over the last year (via FBref).

Ultimately, with his arrival, Ten Hag has still been able to drastically improve his side in the middle of the park this summer despite failing to land De Jong.