Frenkie de Jong's move to Manchester United from Barcelona has been held up by outstanding payments.
The Dutch midfielder has been named new United boss Erik ten Hag's number one target as he begins his new era at Old Trafford. But the transfer saga has dragged on for much of the summer with no end in sight, and the reason for the delay has now been revealed.
It comes as the Red Devils have hit a problem over their bid to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after the Dutch club moved the goalposts over the move. And Erik ten Hag's attention to detail has become clear during United's pre-season preparations in Thailand.
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De Jong move delayed
Frenkie de Jong is reportedly owed £17million by Barcelona – and the issue needs to be resolved before his move to Manchester United can be finalised.
United are keen to bring in the midfielder with new boss Erik ten Hag hoping to reunite with the player he managed at Ajax. But the details of the move are yet to be finalised with a full agreement not yet made with the Spanish club.
And De Jong's outstanding payment by the Spanish giants is thought to be one of the major reasons for the hold-up.
Martinez bid hits problem
Ajax have moved the goalposts following Manchester United's interest in signing centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine defender has reportedly been convinced to follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford this summer, and has asked Ajax to allow him to make the move to the Premier League. But the Dutch club have now increased their asking price for the defender to £52million, putting a bit of a spanner in the works for United.
The Red Devils have already had an offer of £43million turned down by Ajax but they had hoped they were close to an agreement over the fee.
Ten Hag's meticulous approach
Details of Erik ten Hag's meticulous approach have been revealed during Manchester United's summer tour of Thailand.
The Dutchman's hands-on approach to training sessions has been on full display. He has also started sending staff a morning message on WhatsApp informing them whether to wear their black or white United shirt – so that he can identify them around the team hotel and training ground.
Players have also been banned from bringing phones to team meals in order to foster a sense of togetherness. And the United boss' training sessions so far have clearly followed a plan.
