De Jong mocked up in Manchester United kit by Spanish press as Red Devils’ deal deadline suggested

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Manchester United’s move for Frenkie de Jong is still not done, and is holding up the rest of the club’s transfer business.

The first team return to training next week, although De Jong would not be eligible to join them just yet due to a required rest period, after an extended season with international matches.

While he is on holiday in the USA, talks between clubs remain open, and United are reported by Sport to have an idea of a deadline for the deal.

Amid this report, the Spanish newspaper have mocked up what Frenkie de Jong would look like in a Manchester United kit, last seasons’ at least.

Deal deadline suggested

Sport report that Barcelona and Manchester United remain far apart on fees, and both clubs are fairly relaxed about negotiations, determined to get the best deal they can.

The newspaper suggests United do have a deadline in mind, however. The club want Frenkie de Jong signed before the club head out on pre-season tour, with the first game in Thailand on Tuesday July 12.

The exact date United fly out for the game is not yet stated, but it would seem to us, that the cut-off for a deal to be done for De Jong to join the travelling party, would probably have to be Friday July 8.

This deadline won’t just apply to De Jong, it will factor in for other potential additions like Christian Eriksen too – but transfer dealings will continue.

De Jong could just as easily sign a few days later and meet United in Australia for the second leg of the tour, from July 15.

We had all hoped United would have been a lot quicker in the market, and made a real statement early on under Ten Hag. Instead it appears like an opportunity has been missed already.

If deals are wrapped up by the time the club head out on pre-season tour, then some of the damage can be erased. If this lack of transfer action does drag on past then, it would really overshadow Erik ten Hag’s start as Red Devils boss, just like David Moyes in 2013.

• Manchester United v Liverpool: July 12, 2pm UK time, venue: Thailand.
• Manchester United v Melbourne Victory: July 15, 11.05am UK time, venue: Australia.
• Manchester United v Crystal Palace: July 19, 11.10am UK time, venue: Australia.
• Manchester United v Aston Villa, July 23, 10.45am, venue: Australia
• Manchester United v Atletico Madrid, July 30: 1pm, venue: Norway