Manchester United are targeting Frenkie de Jong IS, who has been included in Barcelona’s squad for his tour of the United States – with the midfielder not wanting to move despite a £63million fee agreed between the two clubs
- A £63million fee has been agreed for the Dutchman with Manchester United
- De Jong is said to be reluctant to move to the Premier League
- Barca had considered leaving De Jong at home amid the transfer saga
- New signings Raphinha and Kessie are also part of Barca’s squad in America
Frenkie de Jong was included as part of the Barcelona squad for their pre-season tour of the US – although the club have agreed a £63m fee with them Manchester United for his services.
The Dutchman has been United’s number one target with a new manager this summer Eric ten Hag He wants to reunite with the former Ajax star and make him the fulcrum in the Red Devils’ midfield.
As reported by sports mail Earlier this week United’s Richard Arnold and John Murtough were in Spain to negotiate a deal with Barca sporting director Jordi Cruyff, football director Mateu Alemany and sporting vice-president Rafa Yuste.
Frenkie De Jong is back training at Barca and is traveling to the United States as part of her pre-season tour
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to be reunited with De Jong at Old Trafford
However, De Jong is reluctant to join the Premier League club and is keen to stay at the Nou Camp.
There could be a stumbling block for the 25-year-old, however, as Barcelona have reportedly told De Jong he will have to cut his £5million annual salary significantly if he wants to stay at the club.
The midfield star is believed to be “not open” to this, having already agreed to defer around £17million of his salary during the pandemic.
Barca had considered leaving De Jong at home as he had doubts about his future in Spain.
Barcelona have taken a 28-man squad to their States tour, including new signings Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.
Raphinha finally joined Barca this week after a drawn-out transfer that nearly saw the Brazilian sign for Chelsea before securing the £55m move to Spain, which he has described as his dream move.
Xavi’s side also appear close to finalizing a deal for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.
Raphinha this week became the latest Brazilian star to wear the famous Barcelona shirt
Barcelona will complete the signing of Polish striker Robert Lewandowski from Bayern
A fee of £42m has been agreed with the German giants and the Polish star will fly out today to seal the move.
There could be more exits from the Nou Camp door as well, with Martin Braithwaite, Samuel Umtiti, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig and Neto all left out of last season’s squad and seemingly not part of Xavi’s plans.
The Spanish giants will play four games during their US tour, including a clash with David Beckham’s Inter Miami, glamor clashes with Real Madrid in Las Vegas and Juventus in Dallas before concluding with a game against the New York Red Bulls.
Xavi has hinted at who he wants to advance by dropping several players from his pre-season squad
