OUSMANE DEMBELE will NOT be joining Manchester United, with the Barcelona winger reportedly set to put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
The Frenchman has previously been linked with a move to United, but has now agreed a new five-year deal at Barcelona on a LOWER weekly wage.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the 24-year-old will sign a new deal next month.
By taking a lower fee home, the wide-man will help reduce Barca’s overall wage bill, therefore helping to fund new signings.
It’s the opposite to most new contract announcements, with players often rewarded with bumper new deals, not reduced earnings.
Cash-strapped Barca are in mounds of debt, but are still set to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for around £55million.
It’s claimed that Dembele went against the wishes of his agents by agreeing to a new deal.
They had been keen on a move for their client in order to secure a hefty commission fee.
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But Dembele was said to be ‘decisive’ in his will to stay and be part of Xavi’s rebuilding project at the Nou Camp.
A number of clubs had been interested in signing the World Cup winner, with his current contract expiring at the end of the campaign.
But now a new long-term deal at Barcelona is set to put an end to that interest.
Newcastle reportedly made an approach for Dembele as the Magpies chase a marquee signing in January.
Eddie Howe is desperate for reinforcements in order to help his side survive the drop.
Tottenham too have been linked with Dembele in recent weeks, with Antonio Conte also looking to make some signings of his own.
However, all interested parties are now set to miss out on signing Dembele.
An official announcement of a new contract at Barca is expected next week, with only the ‘closing details’ left to be finalised between the player and the club.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk