Manchester United have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati, with Barcelona needing to significantly reduce their wage bill.
Barcelona remain in a difficult financial situation and La Liga have demanded that the Catalans reduce their wage bill by €200m (£177m). The Spanish league’s president, Javier Tebas, has informed Barcelona of the demands in an ongoing dispute over the club’s finances.
The situation could lead to high-profile exits and the Mirror are reporting that Manchester United could capitalise. United chased a deal to sign De Jong from Barcelona last summer, with Chelsea having also expressed interest in signing the Netherlands international.
Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax and remains interested in a deal to bring the 25-year-old to the Premier League.
United are also interested in Ansu Fati, according to reports in Spain. The 20-year-old has started just seven league games this season and his sale could help ease Barcelona’s financial problems. Xavi is keen to keep the winger at the club, but a bid of around £90m could tempt the cash-strapped Catalans into the sale of the highly-rated youngster.
Jordi Alba, Ferran Torres and Franck Kessie are among the other names who could depart as Barcelona look to balance the books. Torres reportedly rejected interest from the Premier League during the January transfer window, while Kessie has been linked with Tottenham.
