Romano: 'Everything is almost ready' for 'genius' fourth Man Utd signing, one big obstacle left

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Manchester United’s move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, revealing the deal is almost in place barring a major obstacle on the player’s side.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for De Jong ever since Erik ten Hag was announced as United manager at the end of April.

Over three months have passed and De Jong, hailed as a ‘genius’ by Xavi Hernandez, is still on the books at the Nou Camp, with the Catalan giants owing him £17m in deferred wages.

That appears to be a major obstacle in United’s attempts to bring him to Old Trafford, with the club making three additions so far, none of which have been defensive or central midfielders.

Talking to GMS, Romano said that ‘everything is almost ready’ between United and Barcelona, but there is one obstacle still to be resolved ‘on the player side’.

“It’s still the same situation. It’s still the same because Manchester United have an agreement ready since two weeks with Barcelona. It’s an agreement for €75m plus €10m in add-ons, so everything is almost ready between the two clubs, but not yet on the player side.”

Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy recently name-checked Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Lille’s Renato Sanches as potential alternatives to De Jong, and there will have to come a time when United call it a day in their pursuit of the Dutchman if nothing changes on the personal terms side.

They took a huge step by agreeing on a big-money fee and almost have everything in place with the Spanish giants according to Romano, however, there is still no sign of De Jong green lighting a move.

Time is ticking, and with the new season getting underway this weekend, it could be wise for United to begin work