Barcelona are demanding a fee of €86m (£74m) for Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United remain in negotiations with the Spanish side over a deal for the midfielder, who has been made Erik ten Hag’s top target following his appointment at Old Trafford.
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Barcelona are prepared to allow the Netherlands international to leave as the club look to raise transfer funds this summer, but are demanding a premium price for the 25-year-old.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Barcelona have told the Red Devils they won’t sell De Jong for less than £74m, whilst the Catalans also want the full fee guaranteed.
Manchester United and Barcelona have been in direct contact today for Frenkie de Jong. Still no agreement on the fee, as Barça told Man Utd they won’t sell FdJ for less than €86m. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC
Barcelona want full fee guaranteed, also because of La Liga rules to reinvest money. pic.twitter.com/n6WBFk5Uxy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2022
Barcelona’s stance comes amid the club’s concerning financial situation and sanctions from La Liga, who have placed restrictions on the Spaniards after breaches of salary cap rules.
ESPN are reporting that the financial restrictions mean Barcelona can only reinvest a third of what they make on transfers or save in wages back into the playing squad, with the club using that issue as a reason to drive De Jong’s price upwards.
United, however, believe De Jong’s valuation should reflect Barcelona’s attempts to offload the midfielder and had hoped to agree a deal between £50m-£60m.
De Jong signed for Barcelona in a £73m deal in 2019 after impressing under Ten Hag’s management at Ajax.
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