Manchester United Told Barcelona They Aim To Conclude Frenkie De Jong Deal By Friday

Manchester United have told Barcelona they want to conclude the deal for Frenkie de Jong by Friday, according to reports.

After it was reported last week that there had been a deal in principle agreed for the fee of the midfielder, it seemed like a matter of time before he was holding the United shirt up.

However, progression for the door seemed to hit a brick wall.

There was a lack of developments and some reports began to suggest that the player did not want the move at all.

Yet, there has been another turn in the transfer saga.

On Monday, it was revealed that United's football director John Murtough and CEO Richard Arnold travelled to the Spanish capital.

They met with Barcelona’s director of football Mateu Alemany, vice-president Rafa Yuste and footballing advisor Jordi Cruyff to discuss the deal for the 25-year-old player and try and force through a deal.

New reports from Alex Crook of TalkSPORT have gave context to these conversations.

He said that the talks were believed to be centred around the £17 million fee that the Catalan club owe De Jong in unpaid wages.

This has been a large reason behind the stalled negotiations.

Alamy

Another key aspect from Crook's report was the reiteration that the player is open to the move to Old Trafford.

While his dream was to play at the Nou Camp, De Jong will see the potential project under Erik ten Hag and be enticed by it.

It has also been previously reported that the Dutchman's agents have a "practically broken" relationship with Barca, which could also influence the outcome of the deal.

The aforementioned report from Crook also added that United had told Barcelona that they want to complete the deal by Friday.

Barcelona will want to make the sale, with reports saying that they are close to bringing Leeds' Raphinha to Spain with a £60m bid and are not in the financial position to bring these additions without any significant sales.

Crook's report also adds to previous reports that a verbal agreement on a £55m transfer fee, plus add-ons, has been made.

Ten Hag's side left for their pre-season tour last Friday, and are playing their opening pre-season fixture against Liverpool on Tuesday.

With just one signing on the trip currently, in Tyrell Malacia, United will be wanting to introduce more new faces as they approach the season.

Christian Eriksen has a medical set before he officially signs this week and joins up with the squad. If De Jong is also pushed over the line then it would look like a much healthier position.