'Really huge' - Fabrizio Romano has more news on Man Utd move for De Jong after 'direct contact'

Manchester United’s move for Frenkie de Jong is ‘still on’ following ‘direct contact’ with Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Dutchman ever since Erik ten Hag was announced as the club’s new manager towards the end of April.

That prospective transfer has turned into one of the biggest so far during the off-season, with United having an opening offer turned down last week. Barcelona rejected an initial €60m (£51.5m) fee plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons and are looking for a total of €85m (£73m) for their star midfielder.

Romano took to Twitter on Friday evening to provide an update on De Jong.

He claimed that a deal is ‘still on’ and said that the player’s salary will be ‘really huge’ next season, which is a ‘problem’ for Barcelona due to their financial situation.

All of the small updates in recent days appear to be pointing towards an Old Trafford move for De Jong.

The Athletic have well-placed sources who believe that a move will eventually happen, whereas the 25-year-old’s wage will be an issue for Barcelona according to Romano, and Ten Hag has also reportedly persuaded De Jong over a move to England.

All that’s left now is for an agreement to be reached between the two clubs. They currently appear to be €15m (£12.9m) apart when it comes to a total valuation, so hopefully they can meet in the middle with a second offer and De Jong can finalise a move to Manchester before the end of the month.

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