Manchester United are reportedly ‘very close’ to completing the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona, according to multiple reports.

The Netherlands midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, where he would reunite with compatriot Erik ten Hag – his boss at Ajax.

And, according to Barcelona-based outlet Sport (via Football365), United are on the verge of sealing a deal worth around £68m for the 25-year-old.

United are crying out for extra quality in midfield – and the wonderfully well-rounded De Jong should certainly provide that with the Duthman clearly Ten Hag’s number one target since his arrival.

United have also been linked with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Chritiaan Eriksen and Ajax duo Anthony and Lisandro Martinez but De Jong has always been the main target as they look to revamp the midfield at Old Trafford.

Legendary Red Devils defender Gary Pallister believes De Jong would fit right in at his former club. Speaking to Metro earlier this week, he said:

“Hopefully they can get the deal done; De Jong is at the right age, has plenty of experience and is the type of player that can really express himself at a place like United.

“He is used to the pressure and the spotlight having been at Barcelona, so he would certainly tick a box…”

So, De Jong could be about to become United’s first summer signing – but he might have found himself on the other side of the Manchester divide had things panned out differently three years ago.

While he ultimately moved to Barca for £65m, he revealed that he had spoken to Pep Guardiola about joining Manchester City.