Manchester United are increasingly confident of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, talkSPORT understands.
United have stepped up negotiations with Barcelona after Dutch international De Jong gave the green light for a move to Old Trafford, having initially being reluctant to leave the Camp Nou.
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New manager Erik ten Hag has made former Ajax star de Jong his top summer target, and he looks to be reunited with the 25-year-old.
United are hoping to conclude a deal swiftly, with the summer transfer window now officially open.
De Jong was a key member of Ten Hag’s Ajax team that won the Eredivisie title in the 2018/19 season, and also reached the Champions League semi-final.
The Netherlands international joined Barcelona in 2019 in a £65.3million deal and has gone on to make 140 appearances for the club.
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He has been a key member of Xavi’s squad, but the Catalan club’s financial difficulties have seen them consider selling some of their top stars.
It would mark Ten Hag’s first signing as new Manchester United manager after replacing interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
He will be tasked with overhauling things at Old Trafford after a demoralising campaign that saw them finish sixth, with their lowest points total in their Premier League history.
Paul Pogba is heading for the exit on a free transfer, while there are likely to be more outgoings too.
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