Manchester United are “95 per cent” likely to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to reports.
The Barcelona star has been a regular in Spain this campaign, but could be set for a change of scenery this summer.
De Jong joined Barca from Ajax in 2019, before signing a further six-year contract in October 2020. And the Catalan giants have been underwhelmed by the Dutchman, however, and would be willing to cash in.
According to reporter Gerard Romero, Barcelona need to sell players for “purely economic reasons” as they now look to balance the books.
With De Jong having failed to make himself an important player, he could be expendable. And a move to United may be an attractive one, as he could link up with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
De Jong will likely cost the Red Devils between £60m and £70m. Though Barca could yet change their minds, as they still hold concerns about keeping their midfielder another year.
The La Liga club chiefs reckon that should De Jong stay and have a poor campaign, his value could plummet further.
De Jong has been a regular under both Ronald Koeman and Xavi this season. He has started 29 matches in LaLiga, while making 45 appearances in all competitions.
In total he has played 138 games for Barca, but his most notable success came while playing for his former team Ajax.
During his final season in Amsterdam, he helped Ten Hag’s men reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, before losing out to Tottenham Hotspur.
He also won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup double that season. Meanwhile at Barca, he has added a Copa del Rey to his silverware collection.
