Manchester United are closing in on the signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong after an initial transfer fee agreed with Barcelona and the Catalan club have their eyes on a direct replacement.
A fee of £56.2million for the Dutch midfield ace has been struck between the clubs – the first major hurdle of the deal which has now been cleared. It comes amid reports that the player already cleared out his locker at Barca with a move to Old Trafford appearing to be edging closer.
New United boss Erik ten Hag – who managed the midfielder at Ajax - held a phone call with De Jong in which he convinced the player of his significance to his plans at Old Trafford. The midfielder was told he would be the 'conductor of the orchestra' and would be an undisputed starter under Ten Hag – a similar role to the one he enjoyed so much in Amsterdam.
