Manchester United are reportedly working on a deal to sign FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

As per Laurie Whitwell (The Athletic), the club are keen on bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford.

De Jong has previously worked with Ten Hag, and was an integral part of his famous 2018-19 Ajax team.

United are said to be looking to sign players in conjunction with Ten Hag’s philosophy and style of play.

We previously reported the breaking news a couple of days ago, when Gerard Romero stated that United were close to completing this transfer.

Since then, there have been conflicting reports on whether Xavi would be willing to let his star man leave.

The Barcelona manager stated:  “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s key player.”

“Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided.”

“I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general.”

Barça manager Xavi on Manchester United and Frenkie de Jong: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s key player”. 🚨 #FCB

“…then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general”. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/dibtbSaNx8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2022

Barcelona are said to be interested in signing Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.

According to Miquel Blazquez, the Catalan club are looking to free up funds by selling one of their prime assets – De Jong.

Barcelona want to sell Frenkie de Jong so that they have space for Robert Lewandowski. #MUFC [@BlazquezFont]

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) May 14, 2022

Xavi is blessed with a core of young midfielders like Pedri and Gavi to build his squad around.

United need to take advantage of this situation and get De Jong signed up as soon as possible.

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the transfer of Frenkie De Jong from FC Barcelona.

According to Tier one Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, United will complete the deal this month for around €80 million.

☎️ NOTICIA @jijantesfc

Antes del final de liga y con un 95% de probabilidades, Frenkie De Jong va a ser traspasado al Manchester United. Es un tema económico puro y duro. El Barça necesita vender un jugador que en el club no ha sido top

Lo ampliamos en https://t.co/ddsJTtAFRd

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) May 11, 2022

Barcelona are in an economic crisis and are said to be forced to sell De Jong in the fear that they might not be able to recoup his transfer value next season.

The deal could be completed as early as this week, reports Miquel Blazquez.

🚨El Barça está cerca de traspasar a Frenkie de Jong al Manchester United a cambio de unos 80 millones de euros, vía @JijantesFC. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/wNVt1QBMhW

— Miquel Blázquez (@BlazquezFont) May 11, 2022

If Man Utd do manage to pull this deal off, it could be one of the signings of the summer.

De Jong is one of the most technically proficient midfielders in the world and exactly what United in the centre of the park.

His ability to dictate tempo and control the game would vastly improve the overall gameplay.

The Dutchman can play as a lone six or further forward as a number eight.

Moreover, De Jong was an instrumental part of Erik ten Hag’s Ajax side that reached the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The duo could recreate his manage at Old Trafford.

If the reported fee is true, it would take up a sizeable portion of the transfer budget.

United would have to compensate by buying cheaper options in other areas.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has provided an update on the squad facing Liverpool tomorrow.

It’s not a good look for United, who are expected to miss Raphael Varane, Edinson Cavani, Fred and Scott McTominay due to injury.

Rangnick’s side is bereft of options in midfield and will have to somehow make do with a new tactic tomorrow.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic look likely to start in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes in an advanced role.

Rangnick: “He [Varane] was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. With regard to the injured players, it’s the same situation.” #mulive

— utdreport (@utdreport) April 18, 2022

In his press conference, Rangnick stated: “He [Varane] was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. With regard to the injured players, it’s the same situation.”

Bruno was involved in a car accident today but is likely to play tomorrow’s game.

Rangnick on Bruno Fernandes: “Yes, he was training with the team – obviously the accident happened on the way to Carrington. As far as I know, no one was injured. He was ok and he’ll be ok for tomorrow.” #mulive

— utdreport (@utdreport) April 18, 2022

“Yes, he was training with the team – obviously the accident happened on the way to Carrington.”

“As far as I know, no one was injured. He was ok and he’ll be ok for tomorrow.”

The Man Utd squad’s mentality will be put to test tomorrow at a hostile Anfield.

The home side are locked in a relentless title race with Manchester City and United have a chance to put a dent in their hopes.

Rangnick spoke about the need to be more aggressive, especially against an opponent like Liverpool if his side want to come out with a result tomorrow.

“For sure, we need to be more compact, more aggressive, more on the front foot but still make sure we have all the players behind the ball.”

Rangnick: “For sure, we need to be more compact, more aggressive, more on the front foot but still make sure we have all the players behind the ball.” #mulive

— utdreport (@utdreport) April 18, 2022

“Although we might be the underdogs for most people, we still know that if we raise our level, if we play a top performance, then we have a chance to get three points. This will be our ambition and goal for tomorrow.”

Rangnick: “Although we might be the underdogs for most people, we still know that if we raise our level, if we play a top performance, then we have a chance to get three points. This will be our ambition and goal for tomorrow.” #mulive

— utdreport (@utdreport) April 18, 2022