“He is a fundamental footballer, but then there is the financial situation of the club. Read More in Football

And midfielder De Jong is still owed a bumper figure, which he could waive to make a move happen. Barca are still fighting their way out of a financial crisis, which saw players defer 40 per cent of wages for a year. Boss Xavi revealed this week that De Jong remains a key part of his plans. As SunSport revealed, Erik ten Hag wants the Barcelona star at rivals United but City chief Pep Guardiola is also a big fan – missing out three years ago when Barca’s £400,000-a-week after tax was too good for the Dutch star to turn down.


Guardiola is in the market for a midfielder to replace the departing Fernandinho. And while the Etihad money men are not keen on paying out the £65million it cost to take him to the Nou Camp from Ajax in 2019, De Jong’s stance on money he is owed may prove decisive. “He is a player that I like very much, but we are going to see how the situation is.” As SunSport revealed earlier this week, Dutchman De Jong may snub a reunion with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as he wants to play Champions League football.
Most read in Football
He said: “For me, he is a very important player. But Barca may request Bernardo Silva or Raheem Sterling as part of any deal. But he conceded that the club could still sell the 25-year-old this summer. “He has been a starter almost always, except when he has been rotated. FRENKIE DE JONG is willing to kiss goodbye to nearly £6million in unpaid wages to clinch a move to Manchester City.
More Stories
Boehly’s Chelsea bid to be ‘approved’ in next 24 hours, Jorginho fee REFUSED by Juventus, Dembele UPDATE – latest
I’m a fashion lover…I can show you how to give your boobs extra support in loose spaghetti tops using an easy 1p hack
I’m a DIY expert – nine cheap ways to update your home for summer that you can be done in one hour