Manchester United ‘still can’t match’ Barcelona’s demands for Frenkie de Jong, with there still €10m between the two clubs.
That’s according to Marca, who provide an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of the Dutchman this summer.
The newspaper reports that De Jong ‘remains a target’ for Manchester United as they look to strengthen their squad for Erik ten Hag.
They have been talking to both the player and Barcelona for some time now and are trying to close the deal but have not ‘reached the figures’ the Catalans are looking for.
In the beginning, Manchester United offered €60m plus €20m in variables and have since improved that to €65m fixed, but Barcelona want more.
The club’s sporting directorate have set a minimum price of €75m before they will contemplate an offer for the midfielder.
That is the figure they paid Ajax for De Jong, and they do not intend to go below this figure in negotiations.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are aware of the delicate financial situation at the Nou Camp and are ‘pushing to get the best price’.
Barcelona are in no hurry to sell because De Jong departing ‘does not make a big difference’, and getting rid would not allow them to immediately bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski.
As such, they are ‘still waiting’ for Manchester United to match their asking price, and even if they do that, United still need to convince the player.
De Jong is aware of the interest and the ‘hype’ around his potential departure but his idea as always been to stay where he is.
That can be changed if Barcelona make it clear they want him out, but that has not happened as yet.
This is where Erik ten Hag comes into it, and he has spoken to his former Ajax star about the move to Old Trafford, telling him he will be the ‘conductor’ of his side.
That’s a ‘seductive offer’ but means little until Manchester United match Barcelona’s demands, which they are yet to do.
