Barcelona are getting tough with midfielder Frenkie de Jong and looking to push him to Manchester United.
Spanish outlets Sport and Mundo Deportivo both report Barcelona have told De Jong to leave the club, with an agreement in place with Manchester United.
The long-discussed move could be in the final stages, and new manager Erik ten Hag will want to get De Jong in as quickly as possible with pre-season underway.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes United would be signing one of the top three midfielders in world football.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
De Jong will be an ‘unbelievable signing’
Speaking to Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “I’d put him in the top two or three midfielders in the world, I think he’s an unbelievable signing.
“He went to Barcelona it didn’t quite work out, for a number of reasons, but it doesn’t mean hes not an incredible player.
“He’s young, and having worked so closely with the manager at Ajax, he’ll play just in front of the back four and he’s the sort of player that’ll make things happen and drive with the ball.
“He’s so creative with his passing, got real pace as well, I think he’s going to be an amazing signing for them. I’m really excited about that for the Premier League.”
The final decision over a move will be down to Frenkie de Jong, who has not yet given the green light on a deal.
Fabrizio Romano reports a fee is agreed between the two clubs, but the deal is being held up at the midfielders’ end.
If United do manage to get this deal done, then it will be a huge relief to all concerned. In case it doesn’t, we took a look at five alternatives Manchester United could target instead.
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