Frenkie de Jong's move from Barcelona to Manchester United has reportedly entered a 'decisive stage' after the Catalan giants identified a replacement.
The Red Devils want to sign the Dutch midfielder, 25, in time for their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. New manager Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax before he joined Barcelona in July 2019, winning the Eredivisie title and KVNB Cup in 2018-19.
United have already had a £60million bid for De Jong rejected and are expected to make another, improved offer shortly. Barcelona will reportedly let the player leave the club for the right price to reduce their debt - standing at £1billion last year - and wage bill, with a view to making signings of their own.