"What I’m told..": Fabrizio Romano drops big MUFC transfer update supporters will love - opinion

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their long-running pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has detailed every step of this courtship that has spanned almost all of Erik ten Hag’s current tenure.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian journalist spoke of how Barcelona’s financial troubles could provide a boost for the Red Devils: “For Frenkie de Jong, I think the situation is a peculiar one.

“The president of Barcelona, Laporta, has said that he will try to keep the player, but he wants Frenkie to reduce his salary. From what I’m told, Frenkie is not reducing his salary. At the moment, this is not the case.”

At last it appears another breakthrough has been made in this never-ending transfer saga, as United’s financial muscle will prove too much for Barcelona.

Supporters will be both excited and relieved in equal measure as it appeared the deal was stagnating somewhat, but Erik ten Hag seems to be one step closer to reuniting himself with the mercurial maestro.

Xavi will be frustrated to lose him, as he only recently spoke so highly of the Netherlands international.

He had the following to say: “For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like de Jong.”

To receive that sort of praise from one of the greatest midfielders ever should go a long way in proving what all the hype is about, but his stats only solifidy Xavi’s statement.

De Jong ranks in the 94th percentile for progressive carries, the 92nd percentile for pass completion and averages 2.79 shot-creating actions per 90. He is a constant creative threat from central midfield, and bagged