Manchester United's signing of Feyenoord defender Tyrell Malacia is being complicated by an issue with his representation during the proposed deal, however latest reports suggest that this has been resolved.
After United's intervention with Lyon's agreement with the Dutch club for the services of the full-back, it was thought that the deal would be over the line shortly.
Erik ten Hag needs new players as the club jet off to their pre-season tour in a week.
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It was reported that deals for both Malacia and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong had been agreed in principle on Wednesday.
However, the latest news from Friday morning explains why this deal could take longer than expected.
The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that sources close to the Dutch club say that the intermediary Malacia has worked with previously has not been authorised to conduct this deal and the matter must be resolved before it is finalised.
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The left-back has the same agent, Ali Dursun, as United's primary target De Jong.
Yet, it is believed that the 22-year-old has decided against using Dursun for his impending move to Old Trafford, instead operating alongside his father.
Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail adds that this switch has been made mid-way through the transfer.
The player has made clear that he does not want HCM Sports Management, the company which Dursun works for, to complete the transfer.
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This has created significant hurdles for United with regards to completing the transfer.
However, reports from 1908.nl, the publication which broke the news that an agreement for the player was in place through an interview with Feyenoord's sporting director, have said that a football lawyer with the right expertise has been brought in to manage the issues with the deal.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has broke that the deal is still expected to go through despite these issues arising.
An issue over his representation has been resolved and senior United sources insist there is "no problem" with the deal and they expect to finalise the transfer "in the coming days."
Both of the aforementioned reports from Ornstein and Mokbel have looked to assess whether these complications will impact De Jong's deal to the Theatre of Dreams.
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Ornstein says that it is unclear whether the same factor will affect negotiations to acquire the Dutchman from Barcelona, given Dursun is acting on behalf of the 25-year-old midfielder in that situation.
He does add that a consensus between the two clubs has been made on the fee for the midfielder. It will be €85 million including €20 million in bonuses — but there is still work to do on the payments and structure.
Personal terms also need to be discussed with the player.
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While Mokbel mentions that there is some concern that the external problems could cause issues with regards to De Jong's deal.
Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has also said that despite these issues, United have moved on to deal with other targets as they wait to finalise the transfer.
United fans will hope to see Malacia signed before United fly to pre-season on 8 July.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Feyenoord, Eredivisie, Premier League, Football, Frenkie De Jong