Former Manchester United star praises club for handling of Frenkie de Jong transfer saga

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has praised the club for their handling of the ongoing Frenkie de Jong transfer saga.

It is almost two months since United first registered their interest in the Barcelona midfielder and they are still yet to secure his signature — despite remaining in constant dialogue with the Spanish club. United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last week, have agreed a deal in principle with Barcelona for the Netherlands international worth an initial £56.14million, but the La Liga outfit are continuing to reiterate that they do not want to sell him.

Over the past few days, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that the club does not want to lose De Jong. However, in his latest statement, which he made on Wednesday, he warned that he could be sold if they don't have a choice.

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Laporta said: "Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona player - we don't want to sell him unless we have no other choice. Of course, we know there are offers for de Jong — but we don't want to sell him."

Despite the ongoing uncertainty and length of time this particular saga is dragging on for, former United ace Sharpe —who played for the club between 1988 and 1996 — has praised United for their conduct throughout the situation. He believes their patience will finally pay off.

"I think the manager will have a really good relationship with him," Sharpe told bettors.ng. "It's a little bit of paperwork and Manchester United are going about it pretty professionally.

"It's a shame that it's taking so long. But I think if the manager really wants him, and that's his No.1 target, they have to be patient and