Manchester United could agree to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona by Wednesday, after the latest reports painted a promising picture of their progress.

Midfield is an area Ten Hag needs to bolster in the side he is inheriting. Manchester United have already been deprived of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata before the new boss got the chance to work with them.

Hence, he has turned to a pupil he knows well from his Ajax days. But although it is still only June, it has taken a long time for United to make advancements in their pursuit of De Jong.

A result could now be in sight, though. Sanguinity has been growing about a deal, which will suit both clubs – even if it could take up the bulk of United’s summer transfer budget.

Now, Football Insider are claiming that the deal could be agreed within 48 hours. Their report was published at 6:55pm on Monday, so Man Utd could have their breakthrough by Wednesday evening.

A deal between the clubs is close for a fee of around £64.4m. There appears to have been further productive talks on Monday.

What’s more, progress has been made in convincing De Jong to sign for the club, after he initially seemed sceptical. Now, it is claimed that he wants to be United’s marquee signing this summer.

Any move would still depend on a medical, personal terms and work permit. In turn, he would be one of the key faces of the new project Ten Hag will be building.

De Jong will obviously be a regular starter in the United midfield. Given the time and money being invested in him, he would presumably be first-choice above the likes of Fred and McTominay.

United will be hoping he can give them importance and balance in the core of their team. It has been an area that has been under the radar for a while.

Now, optimism is growing that they can incorporate De Jong for pre-season training and look forward to a new era including him.