Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong was one of the first members of Barcelona's international contingent to report back for pre-season training on Monday morning amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future.
United registered their interest in the Barcelona midfielder two months ago and have been locked in talks with the Spanish giants ever since. The Manchester Evening News understands that the Reds have agreed a deal in principal with Barcelona to sign the Dutchman.
It is understood that United have agreed a fee worth €65million (£56.14m), plus additional add-ons. Despite this, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said last week that Barcelona want to keep De Jong.
READ MORE: United expect Christian Eriksen to be next signing amid Frenkie de Jong and Cristiano Ronaldo issue
Laporta said: "Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona player - we don't want to sell him unless we have no other choice. Of course, we know there are offers for de Jong — but we don't want to sell him."
United manager Erik ten Hag has identified De Jong as his top target this summer and believes that he is the player that can make his team tick. They worked together at Ajax and the attraction of working with Ten Hag again is what has given United the best possible chance of signing him.
But with nothing close to being finalised, De Jong has reported back to Barcelona's training base for medical and fitness testing, ahead of their pre-season getting under way. Barcelona head coach Xavi has frequently made it clear that he would like to keep hold of De Jong this summer, but the club's financial difficulties will almost have the final say on whether or not they give United the green light to secure his signature. The Spanish giants remain in deep financial difficulty and it has been claimed that they owe De Jong £17million in deferred wages.
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