City to land de Jong?

According to the Mirror, Manchester City have won the race for the signature of Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, and his move to the Camp Nou this summer reportedly depended only on whether the Dutch side would qualify for the Champions League. As they have, de Jong chose to stay at the Amsterdam Arena for another year. Tottenham Hotspur were also said to have watched the situation closely.

However, it appears both clubs have now accepted de Jong will be going to the Etihad at the end of the season, as City prepare to close the deal worth £61million. The 21-year-old has apparently been impressed by the way manager Pep Guardiola has improved young players like Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and John Stones.

Having failed to sign either Fred or Jorginho in the summer, the Catalan coach is aware of the need to find a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, and de Jong’s ability to pass the ball with speed and accuracy is a perfect fit for what he needs.