On November 1st, we carried a report from Mundo Deportivo, who claimed that a ‘mysterious’ offer of €70m for Ajax’s Frenkie de Jong came from Manchester City.
The same report also suggested that there is belief at Barcelona the midfielder only wants to join them in order to fuflil his dream of playing with Lionel Messi.
Another Catalan newspaper Sport now claims that Ernesto Valverde’s side views the Premier League winners as an ‘enemy’ in their efforts to sign the Netherlands international and Manchester City’s interest ‘complicates’ things for the Blaugrana.
The former Bayern Munich manager has asked his employer to find a replacement for Fernandinho, who turns 34 next May and the Dutchman fits the profile of the player they are looking at.
It’s claimed that Ajax could also benefit from a ‘great economic offer’ from City and the Guardiola factor can be very ‘persuasive’ for De Jong to join the English champions.
Should this happen, it will be a blow for Barca, who have long been after the midfielder. 
Any approach from either of clubs for De Jong will see them wait until next summer as Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has ruled out a sale in January.
