Man Utd close in on Frenkie de Jong transfer as Barcelona target Valencia’s Carlos Soler as replacement

MANCHESTER UNITED's negotiations for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong are reaching the "decisive phase", according to reports.

Erik ten Hag is hoping to guide Man Utd back to their former glory days and he's looking to bring in some familiar faces to help him.

The Dutchman would like to reunite with midfielder De Jong, who he managed at Ajax and sold to Barca for £77.4million in 2019.

And according to , negotiations with Barca are reaching the "decisive phase", with the Catalan giants hoping to pick up around £69m for the player.

This allows Barca to raise funds and lower their wage bill, with the club still struggling financially.

Barca boss Xavi also has his eye on a Spanish midfielder that he'd like to replace De Jong.

Xavi is a great admirer of Valencia ace Carlos Soler.

Super-agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona last week to hold talks over a potential move for the player.

The Valencia academy product impressed in the middle of the park last term.

Soler netted 12 goals and assisted five across all competitions.

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Barca could, however, face stiff competition from another Spanish giant for Soler's signature.

Atletico Madrid are also said to be interested in signing the Spain international.

Soler has a good goals record on the international stage.

The midfielder has three goals in nine appearances for Spain, with his latest coming in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday.