Man Utd now at 'key point of negotiations' over £73m deal at Old Trafford

Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong ‘wants to stay at Barcelona’ and negotiations over his personal terms could prove pivotal if he is to end up heading to Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have completed their first signing of the Erik ten Hag era, with Tyrell Malacia joining from Feyenoord in a £14.7million deal, but de Jong is firmly on the Dutchman’s radar.

Romano has revealed Manchester United have agreed a fixed fee with Barcelona for de Jong, but discussions are ongoing as there is still confusion as to how the add-ons – which would see the Red Devils’ outlay increase to £73million – can be activated.

It is understood that the Red Devils have yet to discuss personal terms with the central midfielder despite an agreement between the clubs nearing.

While Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted he has no intention of sanctioning de Jong’s exit, he has suggested the Dutchman will need to take a pay cut in order to remain on the La Liga giants’ books.

However, Manchester United’s hopes of luring de Jong away from the Nou Camp have potentially been boosted as Romano has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the 25-year-old is not interested in accepting reduced terms.

De Jong’s current Barcelona agreement, which still has four years to run, is worth £164,000-per-week.

Romano understands de Jong would prefer to remain with his current employers instead of making the switch to Manchester United.

However, the transfer guru believes negotiations over personal terms could result in a change of heart.

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Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “The player’s side is the real point because it’s true that Frenkie de Jong wants to