Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong IS included in Barcelona’s squad for their pre-season tour of the US – with midfielder reluctant to move despite a £63m fee being agreed between the two clubs
- A £63 million fee has been agreed with Manchester United for the Dutchman
- De Jong is said to be reluctant to make the move to the Premier League side
- Barca had been considering leaving De Jong at home amid the transfer saga
- New signings Raphinha and Kessie are also part of Barca squad in America
Frenkie de Jong has been included as part of the Barcelona squad for their pre-season tour of the US – despite the club agreeing a £63 million fee with Manchester United for his services.
The Dutchman has been United’s number one target this summer, with new manager Erik ten Hag wanting to reunite with the former Ajax star and make him the lynchpin in the Red Devils’ midfield.
As reported by Sportsmail earlier this week, United’s Richard Arnold and John Murtough have been in Spain to thrash out a deal with Barca sporting director Jordi Cruyff, director of football Mateu Alemany and sports vice-president Rafa Yuste.
Frenkie De Jong is back in training at Barca and is heading to the US as part of their pre-season tour
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to be reunited with De Jong at Old Trafford
However, De Jong is reluctant to make the move to the Premier League club and is keen on staying at the Nou Camp.
There could be a stumbling block for the 25-year-old though, with Barcelona reportedly telling De Jong that he will be required to take a significant cut on his £5m-a-year salary if he wishes to stay at the club.
It is believed the midfield star is ‘not open to’ that after already agreeing to defer around £17 million of his wages during the pandemic.
Barca had been considering leaving De Jong at home amid doubts over his future in Spain.
Barcelona have taken a 28-man squad to their tour of the States, which includes new signings Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen.
Raphinha finally joined Barca this week after a protracted transfer that almost saw the Brazilian sign for Chelsea before securing the £55 million switch to Spain, which he has described as his dream move.
Xavi’s side also look to be on…