Manchester United maintain a firm interest in Frenkie de Jong as the Barcelona player is the priority target for Erik ten Hag this summer.
Earlier this week, reports in the UK insisted the Red Devils have no plans to bail-out the La Liga side by meeting their demands for the 25-year-old.
Claims made in England have been relayed by Sport, who then provide more details on this case.
The two sides have immersed themselves in the ‘final negotiations’ for the midfielder, but ‘tensions are beginning to appear’ due to the difference in valuations.
Xavi Hernández’s side want €100m for the Netherlands international while United have no intention to reach this figure. The Premier League side don’t plan to exceed a fee of €80m including bonuses.
For more than a week, the Old Trafford club have been trying to lower it to €70m plus €10m in variables. ‘Everything is becoming tense’ because Barcelona are asking for more money.
Manchester United’s strategy is clear, not move forward until an agreement can be found with the Spanish giants as per their terms. From there, they plan to reach an agreement with De Jong, which the Red Devils feel won’t be a problem because they are ready to offer him a better deal than he has.
Ten Hag has informed the player about the sporting project at Old Trafford and the latter is less reluctant to leave, while waiting for the definitive agreement
. De Jong, for his part, wants it to be clear that it was Barcelona who decided to sell him.
Sport add there is still room to negotiate and Xavi’s side could accept a deal of around €80m, as long the variables are low and it could almost be a guaranteed to Barca.
The Blaugrana are keen to close the operation before June 30th.
It’s now down to Manchester United to find an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong’s transfer.
