Frenkie de Jong's future could soon be resolved, with Manchester United reportedly launching an offensive in an effort to land the midfielder.
The Dutch international has a history with United boss Erik ten Hag, having played under his compatriot at Ajax before moving to Camp Nou. However, he has stated that he is happy at Barcelona amid ongoing questions regarding his contract in Catalunya.
De Jong impressed in his club's final pre-season friendly, a victory over Liga MX side Pumas. However, with the club still pushing for the midfielder to take a pay cut, Man Utd are said to be going all out and leaving nothing to chance with their latest transfer push.
“I don’t know what will happen to Frenkie, until the 31st of August anyone can move," Barcelona Xavi has admitted. "He knows what I think of him and what the club wants from him. Of course I do count on him, he’s a great player.
“We have a lot of competition for the starting positions. With this intensity and desire levels, we're doing well. Intensity is indisputable. However, there are a lot of things we have to improve.
“I’m happy and we want to continue like this. We had a good pre-season in terms of matches and results. The feelings are good. Overall, we had a good pre-season. It was dynamic, with good football, and good results. The sensations are very good."
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Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, United are refusing to give up on De Jong - and have gone on the 'offensive'. They are reportedly confident of forcing through a move, despite a variety of complicating factors.
Citing Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the report claims United are "willing to go all in" for the 25-year-old. However, in addition to the player's own preference, Ten Hag's side have to contend with interest from Chelsea if De Jong is to move.
United's failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a factor if the midfielder does move on. That is not an issue for Chelsea, whose owner Todd Boehly travelled to Barcelona earlier in the summer in an effort to explore a move.
One of the factors central to De Jong's future is the matter of deferred wages amounting to a reported £17m. Barcelona's demands to the player could yet see him take a pay cut, but those at the club continue to insist the man who cost €75m from Ajax in 2019 is still wanted.
"He is a Barça player, of great quality and we want him to stay," president Joan Laporta said of De Jong, per Mundo Deportivo. With him and his teammates we have a very powerful midfield. He has offers but we want him to stay and he wants to stay,"
