MANCHESTER - Manchester United are preparing the final move to land Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jongke at Old Trafford. The hunt for De Jong turned into the biggest transfer saga of the summer as negotiations between the two sides and the player entered week 12.

United coach Erik ten Hag is desperate to get De Jong. The Netherlands international is considered an ideal replacement for the Red Devils midfield after being left behind by Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.

But the situation became complicated when De Jong was reluctant to move to Manchester United even though Barcelona also pushed him out immediately. Because the Blaugrana are balancing the books after bringing in a number of top players such as Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich

United will reportedly try to meet with De Jong's representatives when Barcelona return from their pre-season tour of the United States. The issue of a high salary is suspected to be a factor in De Jong's delay to MU.

However, according to Sport , reported by Tribal Football , Sunday (31/7/2022) MU both made De Jong the highest paid player at the club, which is equal to his current salary of 45 thousand Pounds Sterling per week. Manchester United are also willing to pay £17 million which Barcelona must pay to De Jong because of salary arrears.

De Jong and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax. After De Jong performed well in 2019, he was bought by Barcelona. He became an important player for the Blaugrana in midfield. But because of financial problems Barcelona wanted him to leave.

De Jong is expected to have no trouble under Ten Hag's control because they have known each other since Ajax. These advantages can have a positive impact on Manchester United, who are struggling to return to the Champions League.