De Jong and Xavi’s relationship ‘strained’ as Barca push for Man Utd transfer

Frenkie de Jong and Xavi's relationship has reportedly become strained with Barcelona pushing for the Dutch midfielder to make the switch to Old Trafford.

De Jong, 25, has been earmarked with a mega-money move to Manchester United in the summer window after newly-installed boss Erik ten Hag made him his no.1 priority. The Netherlands international excelled under Ten Hag's tenure at Ajax but is said to be content with life at the Camp Nou, despite United having agreed an initial £56million deal for his transfer.

Barca, though, are desperate to get the deal over the line as De Jong, who is already the club's highest earner on a staggering £354k-a-week, is set for a bumper salary increase should he enter the fourth year of his contract.

READ MORE: Man Utd chiefs spotted in Barcelona in bid to finally wrap up Frenkie de Jong transfer

Also needing to fund a £63m deal for Leeds United ace Raphinha, the final stumbling block holding up the deal is the £17m de Jong is owed through waived salary and bonuses, causing friction between the Dutch star and his manager.

According to Spanish outlet AS, De Jong and Xavi have never truly seen eye to eye in Catalunya but the 25-year-old is furious he is returning to pre-season training in the knowledge Barca intend to sell him in the transfer window.

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The report states it is difficult for De Jong to train at maximum capacity as he does not know where his future lies. The Dutchman is disappointed he is not valued as a star player at the Camp Nou with Xavi providing no resistance to his impending exit.

Man Utd are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements after seeing Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic head out the Old Trafford exit door at the end of their contracts. United have only confirmed one summer arrival so far with left-back Tyrell Malacia joining in a £13m deal from Feyenoord.

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