Man Utd reach 'broad agreement' for £72m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are struggling to persuade Frenkie de Jong to make the move to Old Trafford despite reaching a ‘broad agreement’ with Barcelona, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Red Devils have already spent more than £65million since the summer transfer window opened for business, but new boss Erik ten Hag is looking to splash the cash on de Jong next.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Barcelona and are willing to fork out an initial fee of £63million.

Add-ons could see the overall fee rise to in the region of £72million for the 44-cap Netherlands international.

However, the Red Devils are struggling to get the deal over the line and Spanish sources have revealed that de Jong would rather join Bayern Munich or Chelsea if he were to leave Barcelona.

Manchester United appear to be facing a tough job in convincing the central midfielder to head to Old Trafford as it is understood that he has no interest in completing the switch and, ideally, wants to remain at the Nou Camp.

A potential move away is also being held up as Barcelona are refusing to pay de Jong the £14.5million he is owed following the restructuring of his contract.

Sheth believes Manchester United are in a strong position after reaching a compromise over a transfer fee for de Jong.

However, the Sky Sports reporter understands that the 25-year-old is not keen on sealing a reunion with ten Hag despite featuring under his fellow countryman 59 times at Ajax.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “The Frankie de Jong saga just rumbles on and on and on.

“United, for their part, are quite comfortable with the position they find themselves in with regard to Frenkie de Jong and they’ve got a broad agreement with