Spanish journalist Oriol Domenech has claimed that Manchester United and Barcelona have reached an agreement for Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Saga of the summer

De Jong, who Xavi Hernandez described as a ‘genius’, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for over two months now after rumours first emerged following Erik ten Hag’s appointment as United boss at the end of April.

Since then, there has been plenty of talk but not much action, however, United chiefs John Murtough and Richard Arnold have recently been spotted in Barcelona to seemingly continue talks regarding a move for De Jong, and it looks as if progress is finally being made.

The Latest: Breakthrough

Domenech was speaking to Onde TV3, with Football Talk translating the update regarding Man Utd and De Jong.

He claimed that a deal has now been closed for the midfielder worth a total €85m (£71.8m). The report adds that the Red Devils now need to convince De Jong over a reunion with Ten Hag, which could be straightforward if his salary issues with the Catalan giants can be resolved.

The Verdict: Finally

It has been a long time coming, but it looks as if the club have finally made a breakthrough when it comes to signing De Jong.

There could still be obstacles to overcome before we see the Dutchman in red, though, as he is still owed £17m in deferred salary payments by Barcelona.

It has been an extremely complicated process but one that United officials have never given up on, and it looks as if Murtough and Arnold are close to getting their main man in ahead of Ten Hag’s first competitive game in charge.