Manchester United are 'close' to reaching an agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona for the signing of Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong in a deal worth £68million.
That is according to a report by talkSPORT, who say United are edging closer and closer to bringing the central midfielder to Old Trafford and want to have it wrapped up by June 30. De Jong is new manager Erik ten Hag's top target this summer and it has been more than a month since the Reds first declared their interest in signing him.
Talks between the two clubs have been ongoing for several weeks but they have struggled to reach an agreement over the transfer fee. Barcelona, who signed De Jong from Ajax in 2019, are determined to not make a loss on the £65million they invested in him three years ago.
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The 25-year-old, who scored four goals and grabbed five assists in 46 appearances for Barcelona during the 2021/22 campaign, was at first reluctant to make the switch to M16 because of the lack of Champions League football on offer this forthcoming season. However, several reports have suggested that he has warmed to the idea of being reunited with former boss Ten Hag once again.
Furthermore, the report states that United hope the addition of De Jong will lead to a 'flurry' of new signings. The Reds have started this summer's window slowly, failing to complete a single deal, either in or out, so far.
Meanwhile, Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei is said to have 'ignored' phone calls from United assistant boss Steve McClaren and a text message from Ten Hag amid links connecting him with a move to Old Trafford. That is according to a report by The Sun, which states that the winger was not interested in the Reds' advances for his signature.
Ebiowei, who is only 18, is reported to have made the decision to join Crystal Palace instead. A deal has not officially been announced yet, but it is reportedly close.
The winger, who was hailed by former Derby manager Wayne Rooney not that long ago, burst onto the scene last season, racking up 16 Championship appearances. Although he only scored one goal and claimed two assists, his performances were certainly eye-catching and bursting with potential.
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