Erik ten Hag coached the 25-year-old at Ajax and feels the midfielder will be an important part of the rebuild he is undertaking at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are understood to have made positive progress in talks with FC Barcelona and a deal of around 65million euros (68.5 million dollars) plus add-ons has been lined up.
There remain issues to iron out though, but the first signing of the Ten Hag era appears to be edging closer.
The acquisition of a box-to-box midfielder has been a focus for the newly-appointed Dutchman, who oversaw his first training session as Red Devils manager on Monday.
Manchester United have struggled for midfield control and balance in recent years, while the departure on free transfers of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have weakened their options.
The duo are among a number of high-profile departures this summer as Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata also left at the end of their deals.
Work is afoot to add more faces and some peripheral players are on their way out, with backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson set to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
Meanwhile, Manchester United teenager Zidane Iqbal has signed a new and improved deal at the club.
The Mancunian of Iraqi and Pakistani heritage made his debut in December’s UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys and has signed a deal until June 2025.
The deal is with the option of a further year.
“Delighted to have extended my stay at this wonderful club,” 19-year-old Iqbal posted on Twitter. “Alhamdulillah.”
(dpa/NAN)
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