Manchester United are reportedly readying a second bid for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, and the Spanish giants are looking to reinvest the money in Ruben Neves and Raphinha.
Barcelona are still amidst a financial crisis, not that you'd know it. And as a result they could sell De Jong as re-signing midfielder Gavi is seen as a priority, with Sergio Busquets also still very much adored by Xavi.
United have already had a bid turned down for De Jong, as Barcelona instantly rejected a £60million offer. But it appears that the Catalan side are trying to squeeze as much out of United as possible, so that they can put it towards their transfer targets.
According to Sport.es, Barcelona are interested in Premier League duo Neves and Raphinha and will look to reinvest the money that they raise in the De Jong transfer in order to bring them in. Barcelona have been eyeing Raphinha for some time, and Neves has been subject to multiple approaches from other teams since breaking into the Wolves team.
Barcelona are hoping to raise £80m from the De Jong sale, and it looks as though they may get their pay day. United are preparing a new offer for the Dutchman, and new boss Erik ten Hag wants his former star to be his first signing.
Ten Hag put together a team of stars at Ajax, and they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019. He then saw his golden generation ripped apart, but he could get some of the band back together.
De Jong went off to Barcelona, and Donny van de Beek later left for United. It's been a dull time for Van de Beek at Old Trafford ever since making the move in 2020, but now that Ten Hag is manager, he is likely to be given a second wind.
And Ten Hag could partner him up with his compatriot and former Ajax team-mate in midfield. United have also been linked with a move for Neves, but De Jong is seen as the alternative, leaving Barcelona with a free hit at the Portuguese midfielder.
There is one issue though, as although United are insistent on signing De Jong, the Dutchman is reportedly happy in Spain. And Xavi has even said that he is an important member of the squad at the Nou Camp.
But their financial priorities may force him out the door regardless of his wishes, and Xavi hinted about this, despite praising De Jong. "I have said many times that Frenkie is very important.," Xavi said.
"He's a key player. Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I'm not talking about Frenkie, in general."
Teenage sensation Gavi is in talks for a new deal, with Barcelona keen to wipe his £42m release clause as soon as possible, as he is seen as the future. And that could boot De Jong out the door, with United ready to bring him to Old Trafford.
