Manchester United are poised to finally land Frenkie De Jong, with Barcelona having made a huge decision on the Dutchman's future.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with the midfielder during Erik ten Hag's first transfer window as manager, with the ex-Ajax boss wishing to reunite with his former prodigy. His hunt for a defensive midfielder, however, ended with the signing of Casemiro instead.
De Jong committed his future to Barcelona but after another season in which the Catalan outfit have underwhelmed, this could well be in doubt, with funds needing to be raised to strengthen the side.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barça want to get rid of De Jong – not just for financial reasons but tactical, too.
The report notes that the key areas that sporting director Deco wants to recruit for the summer are left-wing and defensive midfield, with a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets wanted. De Jong is more suited to playing as a No.8 or in a double-pivot – making the Dutchman more expendable than the likes of Gavi or Pedri this summer.
In FourFourTwo's view, De Jong is the most sensible sale, given that he could be sold for over £50 million – but there's no guarantee that the player himself wants to leave, having stuck to his guns two years ago when Barcelona wanted to sell him.
With the 26-year-old commanding one of the highest wages at Camp Nou and still contracted until 2026, it's feasible that either no club will make a reasonable offer or that once more, De Jong will dig in his heels.
The No.21 is worth €70m, according to Transfermarkt.
More Manchester United stories
United star Antony has explained his controversial celebration in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry. Erik ten Hag came out swinging in his press conference following the game – but could leave United before he's pushed.
United could fight City for Jamal Musiala, Adrien Rabiot has been linked, as has Nacho of Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel has reportedly been sounded out over moving to Old Trafford.
Gary Lineker exclusive: ‘I’m prouder of my presenting career than my football career – I was born to be in the box, not on the box. I had to battle with television for a long time’
‘Pep Guardiola had issues in his personal life – was that partly why he didn’t commit earlier, and why they’ve struggled? Were the club reluctant to buy players, in case he left?’ Former Manchester City defender gives view on difficult campaign
