Man Utd transfer news: Barcelona president drops Frenkie de Jong hint with Liverpool failure a timely boost

The Barcelona president’s latest comments spell bad news for Liverpool, though have given Man Utd fresh hope in their Frenkie de Jong pursuit on two fronts.

Barcelona were once the apex predator in the transfer market, though their financial difficulties have brought about a change of fortune. Indeed, it is their prized assets who are now at the mercy of richer clubs overseas.

Liverpool have been linked with activating the alleged release clause of Spanish wonderkid Gavi.

Also in midfield, Manchester United are pushing hard to sign Dutch maestro, Frenkie de Jong.

United’s first bid totalling £60m was rebuffed. However, the latest comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta make positive reading for United fans.

Firstly, senior Barcelona official Eduard Romeu has stated that £426m is needed to “save” the Spanish giants.

The obvious way to avert financial meltdown is through high profile player sales. And according to Laporta, that is something Barcelona are prepared to sanction.

Via the Manchester Ecvening News, Laporta said: “If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that.”

De Jong is one of Barca’s most saleable assets and ESPN claimed they’ll seek around £85m before waving goodbye.

Liverpool disappointment adds to Man Utd hope

Barcelona may also be more willing to sever ties with De Jong once Gavi’s future is secured. That’s where Liverpool’s disappointment and Laporta’s additional comments enter the equation.

The Reds were reportedly aiming to activate Gavi’s €50million (£42.7m) release clause before it is either removed or significantly increased upon signing a new contract.

The Reds are poised to be left empty-handed with Laporta insistent a renewal is just around the corner.

“We are very close to reaching an agreement with Gavi to extend his contract,” added Laporta.

“We’re optimistic about the renewal of Gavi. We want him to continue at Barca.”

Will Man Utd land Frenkie de Jong?

The more that is written about the transfer saga, the more it appears the answer to that question will be yes.

Man Utd’s first bid was rejected, though that was to be expected with very few clubs bidding the seller’s valuation first up. Bayern’s low-ball first two attempts to sign Sadio Mane is a prime example of that.

De Jong is well known to Erik ten Hag through their time together at Ajax. The lack of Champions League football is an obstacle that must be overcome. Though the Athletic recently claimed De Jong has shifted his stance and is now open to moving to Old Trafford nonetheless.

United have the financial muscle to pay what Barcelona require in the end. Matching or even bumping up De Jong’s high salary won’t be a problem either.

Central midfield is clearly an area United must address this summer. Moving for a player of De Jong’s class is a perfect way to kick off the Ten Hag era.