MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a transfer blow with top target Frenkie de Jong set to get his wish and stay at Barcelona this summer, according to reports.
De Jong was at the top of United’s transfer wishlist as they looked to rebuild their midfield following Paul Pogba’s departure.
The Red Devils were prepared to splash a whopping £71million on the Dutch ace, and make him the one of the club’s highest-paid stars with a weekly wage of £350,000.
But De Jong’s repeatedly shunned United’s advances as he preferred to remain at the Nou Camp – despite Barca owing him £17m.
And according to CBS’ Ben Jacobs, De Jong will get his wish and stay at Barca beyond this summer.
United have been forced to abandon their pursuit of the player, Chelsea haven’t made any progress either and Liverpool are exploring alternative options.
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Reports in Spain suggest De Jong has agreed to take a paycut.
The midfielder and his agent will now restructure his contract with the club.
Erik ten Hag instead turned to Real Madrid’s Casemiro to solve his midfield crisis.
The five-time Champions League winner, 30, joined in a £70m move worth £350,000-a-week.
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United may not be done in the transfer market either, with the Red Devils still negotiating for Ajax’s Antony.
A breakthrough could be made in the transfer which is set to be worth an eye-watering £84m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
