Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is ‘stalling’ with the midfielder having ‘no intention’ of leaving Barcelona this summer.
United have made the signing of De Jong their priority for the summer transfer window and have been in negotiations with Barcelona over a potential deal, with a ‘broad agreement’ understood to have been reached which includes an initial fee of €65m (£55m) with a further €20m (£17m) in add-ons.
However, the deal has been complicated due to Barcelona’s current financial situation, with the Catalans owing De Jong around £17m in deferred wages, an agreement reached to help the club combat the costs of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that De Jong’s representatives have informed Barcelona that the 25-year-old has ‘no intention’ of leaving the club this summer, while the Netherlands international will also not accept a salary reduction to remain at the Camp Nou.
Frenkie De Jong’s agents Ali Dursun and Hasan Cetinkaya have informed Barcelona that Frenkie has still no intention to leave – also that Frenkie and agents are not accepting any salary reduction, or talks related to that. 🇳🇱 #FCB
Man United are also informed – deal now stalling. pic.twitter.com/aFpLTSXHfQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022
United sent out club officials to Barcelona this week to accelerate talks, but their pursuit of De Jong has now been described as ‘stalling’ given the complicated situation in Catalonia.
Erik ten Hag had hoped to conclude a deal before the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, which began with a 4-0 win over Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The Dutchman worked with De Jong at Ajax, with the midfielder an influential figure in the club’s domestic double and run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19.
