Frenkie de Jong
Manchester United chiefs John Murtough and Richard Arnold have been spotted in Barcelona to seemingly continue talks regarding a move for Frenkie de Jong.
The Lowdown: First signing done
It took longer than many may have hoped and expected, but the Red Devils have finally secured their first signing under Erik ten Hag.
Left-back Tyrell Malacia penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford from Feyenoord last week, with Murtough labelling the defender ‘exciting’.
The 22-year-old could be joined by fellow countryman De Jong, who was called a ‘genius’ by his Barcelona manager Xavi, with rumours regarding a move to Manchester ongoing.
The Latest: Murtough and Arnold spotted
Sport Witness relayed an update from journalist Gerard Romero, who shared a video of Murtough and Arnold in Barcelona in the last 24 hours, meeting Catalan chiefs Mateu Alemany, Rafa Yuste and Jordi Cruyff.
Sport Witness said that it appears that the United officials have jetted out in order to try and reach an agreement for De Jong.
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The Verdict: Final straw?
A move for De Jong was first thought to be in the pipeline towards the end of April after Ten Hag was announced as United manager.
There hasn’t been a major breakthrough since then, which has resulted in Murtough and Arnold heading to Spain for what could be showdown talks with Barcelona officials.
If a deal still can’t be agreed over the coming weeks, United may well be better off moving on to alternative midfield targets, especially with the new season fast approaching and the club’s shortage of central midfield options.
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