Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong could now be ‘leaning towards’ a move to Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

De Jong was first linked with the Red Devils at the end of April after Erik ten Hag was announced as United’s new manager. However, almost two months on, a transfer is yet to gather any real momentum, even though well-placed sources believe a move will eventually happen.

Sheth stated earlier this week on Sky Sports that there has been no official offer made to Barcelona, and he has now shared more news after ‘noises’ he’s heard regarding a transfer.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth, talking to GiveMeSport, said that there is a ‘willingness’ from all involved for a deal to go through and believes the midfielder is ‘leaning towards’ an Old Trafford move.

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“As far as de Jong is concerned, publicly, I’m sure the noises will be that he’s happy at Barcelona. There’s no reason not to say that because if the move doesn’t work out, and he said he wanted to leave, it doesn’t leave him in a very good position.

“But, I think, the noises we’re hearing is that there’s a willingness from all parties to do a deal. The fact that Erik ten Hag is at Manchester United, he’s their new manager and they’ve worked very closely together, and arguably he’s had the best form of his career under that manager. I think there is maybe a leaning towards ‘yes’ – he would be open to making that move to Old Trafford.”

The Verdict: Needed

United have seemingly been working on a move for months now, so it would be a nightmare if they failed to get a deal over the line. De Jong could well prove to be the marquee midfield addition that is required to provide some much-needed depth to Ten Hag’s ranks.

The United boss mainly used De Jong as a only real senior defensive midfielder on the books at Old Trafford, a move is needed. It looks as if it could well materialise after all, so hopefully, we'll hear further positive updates over the coming days ahead of United's return for pre-season on June 27.

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