Manchester United have been handed hope in their bid to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer with the midfielder admitting his role for Netherlands suits him more than his current one with Barcelona.
New United boss Erik ten Hag has identified his fellow Dutchman as a priority transfer target this summer.
While the transfer saga rumbles on, de Jong turned in a sublime midfield display for his country on Friday night as Netherlands eased to a 4-1 win over neighbours Belgium.
De Jong was at the heart of an excellent display from Louis van Gaal’s side having not always been able to deliver that level of performance consistently in a Barcelona shirt.
And the 25-year-old has suggested playing in a Dutch system brings the best out of him.
‘I like to be the first player to receive the ball from the defenders,’ de Jong told NOS post-match.
‘In the national team I play differently compared to Barca. And I think this one fits me better.’
United are close to agreeing a £70million deal with Barcelona for de Jong’s services, according to SPORT.
Barcelona are desperate to raise funds to alleviate some of their financial pressure upon the club with the Dutchman their most prized asset.
The report suggests de Jong still needs some convincing over a move to Old Trafford, however, with his preference still to remain at the Camp Nou.
But Barcelona’s willingness to negotiate his sale has created doubt in the midfielder’s mind, according to the report.
MORE : Manchester United close in on £70m Frenkie de Jong deal but Barcelona star still needs convincing
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