Man Utd set to make ‘final offer’ to Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United are plotting one final attempt to persuade Frenkie de Jong that Old Trafford is the place to be next season despite the Barcelona midfielder’s reluctance.

The Netherlands international has long been the subject of intense interest from the Red Devils, but has shown very little sign of wanting to reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in England. However, given Barcelona’s perilous financial position, the La Liga giants are actually keen on the idea of parting ways with De Jong.

The 25-year-old is viewed among Barcelona’s hierarchy as one of the few players on the books that could actually generate the club some cash in the form of a hefty transfer fee. United and Barcelona are reported to have agreed a figure of around £63million plus add-ons, but the deal soon stalled due to De Jong’s desire to stay at the Camp Nou.

While the hard work in terms of negotiating with Barcelona is done, United are now rumoured to be putting together a wage package that De Jong will be unable to refuse in a bid to get him to sign. The midfielder is currently in the United States on Barcelona’s pre-season tour, but United are hoping to meet with his representatives upon his return.

In an attempt to try and force him out, Barcelona have informed De Jong that unless he agrees to significantly lower his current salary he is unlikely to feature much next season. Any potential exit is complicated further by the fact Barcelona still owe De Jong as much as £17m in deferred wages.