Erik ten Hag has handed Manchester United transfer chiefs clear instructions after speaking with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Red Devils have made a breakthrough in their attempts to sign the Dutch international after the club did not give up hope on a deal despite negotiations now entering their 13th week. United CEO Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough visited the Catalan capital last month to finalise terms over a transfer with Barca.
An initial fee of £56.2million is in place with a total transfer increasing up to £72million although no final agreement is yet in place with the player due to an outstanding amount in the region of €17million in back payments owed to De Jong by the Catalan club.
