Van de Beek consulted Barcelona’s De Jong before Man Utd transfer decision

Donny van de Beek spoke to fellow Dutchman Frenkie de Jong before deciding on a move to Manchester United.

The Ajax star is expected to be announced as the Red Devils first summer signing in the next 24 hours.

United moved quick to secure the 23-year-old’s services after Real Madrid cooled their interest.

A fee of £40m has been agreed with Van de Beek completing a medical ahead of the transfer.

Madrid’s Spanish rivals Barcelona were expected to pounce after Los Blancos opted not to pursue the Dutchman with Ronald Koeman, formerly Van de Beek’s manager at international level, now in charge at the Nou Camp.

But Van de Beek will not be joining De Jong in heading to Barcelona although conversations between the two were had.

“I spoke to Donny [Van de Beek] about his transfer,” conceded De Jong. “This is a beautiful transfer and we are all very happy for him.

“Did he ask me for advice? No, no, he can think by himself.”

Van de Beek is the latest Dutch star to head to Old Trafford and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie.

The 23-year-old will offer Solskjaer great versatility having played in attack and midfield for Ajax.

He scored several crucial goals in their run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Last term, in a campaign that was cut short due to the global pandemic, Van de Beek scored 10 times in 37 games.

United are also keen to add a defender and a forward this summer with Jadon Sancho still their top target.

Borussia Dortmund are continuing to dig their heels in meaning any moves hangs in the balance.

RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is also a target as they seek a central defensive partner for Harry Maguire.