Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after news of financial troubles at Camp Nou.
The Lowdown: 95% possibility
De Jong, who worked under new United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent days.
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Spanish journalist Gerard Romero revealed that there is a 95 per cent chance of the Dutch midfielder reuniting with Ten Hag in Manchester, adding that Barcelona need to sell this summer.
The 25-year-old has been at the Nou Camp since 2019 and has made 138 appearances for the Catalan giants, but it looks as if his days in Spain are now numbered.
The Latest: Romano’s update
Transfer expert Romano dropped an update regarding De Jong on Thursday morning. He revealed there ‘has been contact with Manchester United’, but added that ‘sources say there's no full/close agreement with Barcelona’ as of yet.
Romano also backed up Romero’s financial news, suggesting Barcelona’s situation could have an impact on the midfielder’s future.
The Verdict: Pogba replacement
Plenty of incomings and outgoings are expected this summer, with Paul Pogba expected to fall into the later of the two when his contract expires this summer.
Therefore, De Jong, primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in a holding role, could prove to be a replacement for the Frenchman.
However, Fred will be the only central midfielder available to Ten Hag should Pogba depart, and if De Jong is the marquee midfield addition, you could argue that a few more reinforcements in the centre of the pitch will be needed ahead of the 2022/23 season.
In other news: 'Important' - Romano also drops this Man Utd update as Ten Hag close to first piece of business.