Man Utd given De Jong transfer hope again as Barcelona ‘prepare offer’

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Manchester United’s long-winded pursuit of Frenkie de Jong last summer may get a sequel if Erik ten Hag makes him his priority midfield target in back-to-back transfer windows. Barcelona’s financial frailties are in the scope again, which could open the door to reality for Ten Hag’s dream signing.

Unlike last summer, United’s primary transfer focus is a marquee striker to act as a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Ten Hag is reportedly also keen to add another midfielder to his ranks, along with a right-back and centre-back.

And noise out of Spain suggests links to De Jong could soon be back on the menu as Barcelona’s financial woes worsen.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona know they must recoup around £176million before they can make any new signings this summer.

Amid plans to cancel Barca TV, they are also considering renegotiating some of their highest-earning stars’ contracts, including De Jong and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

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The report claims that Barcelona will offer the duo contract extensions with a reduced salary to make crucial savings ahead of the summer transfer window.

De Jong’s current deal expires in 2026, and the proposal is said to involve a two or three-year extension, which would secure his future at the Nou Camp into his thirties.

But it’s not the first time the 25-year-old would have agreed to a pay cut to help Barcelona balance the books.

He also sacrificed some of his wages to support the club during the coronavirus pandemic.

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And the latest request could be one too many, prompting De Jong to lean further towards a new challenge under Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Any hopes of luring his former midfield maestro to M16 would likely depend on whether Ten Hag guides United into the Champions League at the first time of asking.

Despite a late resurgence from Liverpool, the Red Devils are still in pole position for fourth in the Premier League.

Returning to Europe’s premier competition would undoubtedly provide Ten Hag’s transfer aspirations with an almighty boost, even if De Jong evades him again.

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