Manchester United are preparing one final offer to land Barcelona man Frenkie de Jong following a protracted transfer saga that has lasted for the entirety of the summer transfer window.
Erik ten Hag’s side are willing to make the Dutchman the highest-paid player at the club, offering to match his £450,000 per week wages, while they are also ready to pay the additional £17m that the midfielder is owed from Barcelona in deferred wages, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
De Jong has so far shown little willing to move to Manchester, though Barcelona have repeatedly told him that they need him to take a pay cut or depart this summer.
The two clubs had reportedly agreed a deal that would see De Jong depart, but the player has as of yet refused to agree personal terms, and now suggestions that he may remain at Camp Nou are beginning to emerge.
“The first thing to say is we want Frenkie to stay at Barcelona and he wants to stay”, Barcelona president Joan Laporta told CBS Sports.
“All we are doing with Frenkie is the same as the rest of the squad – but we can’t force him to take a pay cut. It’s his decision”, he added.
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Manchester United lining up alternatives?
Manchester United have been linked with moves for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ibrahim Sangare this summer, but neither have had the same substance as the links to De Jong have had.
There will be a feeling of frustration at Old Trafford should it emerge that they have spent their entire summer chasing their tail, especially given the gaping holes in other areas of their squad, with a forward still desperately needed even if Cristiano Ronaldo decides to stay at the club.
