PEP GUARDIOLA is mulling over a move for Frenkie de Jong — after Manchester City’s boss walked away from a Declan Rice bid.
But Barcelona will want up to the £90million that Guardiola was prepared to pay in his attempts to sign West Ham ace Rice.
The City chief is keen to bring in a new midfielder after Ilkay Gundogan turned down a new deal and opted for a move to the Nou Camp instead.
Pep ended his interest in Rice when the fee went higher than he was prepared to pay, leaving the way clear for Arsenal.
Guardiola tried to sign De Jong in 2019, before the Dutchman was swayed by the huge contract at Barca – and he remains a fan.
He was a major Manchester transfer target a year ago, when his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag tried to make him one of his first Man Utd signings.
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But the 26-year-old Dutch star opted to stay in Barcelona and is still in no rush to leave Spain.
However, he is aware Nou Camp executives are open to a sale in a bid to improve the club’s desperate finances.
De Jong earns £400,000 a week after tax, has three years left on his agreement and retains the backing of coach Xavi.
But Barca would like his wages off the books and know that City have cash for a top-class midfielder after the race for Rice.
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Speaking in February about last summer’s transfer saga involving De Jong, Xavi said: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
“He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
“He is in a great moment, like the whole team.
“I think he is having a good time on the field, which is the most important thing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
