Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has shared a cryptic message about his club and Barcelona being on the same page.
United have spent much of the summer pushing to sign Frenkie de Jong from the Catalan club, after the midfielder worked under manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax. However, United are believed to have admitted defeat, turning their attentions to other targets.
One of the other midfielders being looked at by United is Adrien Rabiot, with football director John Murtough travelling to Turin in an effort to accelerate a move for the Juventus man. As for the relationship between United and Barca, though, Neville's comments have sparked plenty of speculation.
"Morning Barca fans," Neville tweeted. "We’re on the same page you just don’t know it yet!"
The comments come after Neville received a backlash for claiming Barcelona had exchanged "25% of their soul" in order to register players for their La Liga opener. Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will all be available to feature against Rayo Vallecano, after earlier suggestions free transfers Kessie and Christensen might be able to leave for free if not registered in time.
Neville has been critical of Manchester United's ownership, hitting out at what the Glazer family have done since taking the reins. Some have compared the situation at Barcelona to that at Old Trafford, with some arguing United have sold "100% of their soul" rather than Barca's 25.
What do you think Neville means by his comments? Have your say in the comments section
"I think @GNev2 has a vision of Barca like mine, one of Mes Que Un Club, one where the club doesn’t sell its soul for a quick buck," one reply read. "Laporta does not share this vision, but I think most Barca fans, in their hearts, at least want to. I think this is what Gary means."
"People can't see the wood for the trees," another said. "Down the line this is going to be a horror story all of football will be sad about."
As well as the new arrivals, De Jong could feature against Rayo despite an ongoing financial dispute. The Dutchman is owed £17m in deferred wages, but Barcelona have made attempts to encourage him to take a a lower sum.
Barcelona are expected to make further sales in order to register the fifth of their new signings, France defender Jules Kounde. Forward Memphis Depay has been strongly linked with a move to Juventus, while Barca are also attempting to offload Martin Braithwaite, but fans have been spotted pleading with De Jong to stay.
