Lionel Messi hands Man Utd transfer boost, as Ten Hag gets another chance to sign spectacular target

Barcelona are reportedly set to ask Frenkie de Jong ‘to take another pay cut this summer,’ who has been linked with Manchester United for some time. 

It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with the former Ajax player at Old Trafford. Now, he could potentially get another chance to bring him in.

Indeed, Man Utd have already seen two bids turned down for De Jong. But, as Barcelona grapple with ongoing financial issues, they may be forced to offload some of their key players.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, De Jong will be asked by the Catalans to reduce his wages – for the second time – as they try to balance the books to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

Barcelona could be forced to part ways with the likes of Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Andreas Christensen and several others, as they look to fund their own transfer business.

Xavi is currently dreaming of bringing Lionel Messi back to the Camp Nou, for instance. So, De Jong could also be sold to free up funds for the Argentina icon’s arrival.

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Man Utd receive De Jong encouragement

Given Man Utd’s past interest in De Jong, they could look to sign the midfielder if he becomes available.

As mentioned, the Red Devils have already seen two bids rejected for the Dutchman. One by Barca, then by De Jong himself.

But now, there is a ‘growing feeling’ De Jong could leave the Camp Nou this summer. It’s no secret that Ten Hag is keen to sign at least one new midfielder this summer, either.

Scott McTominay has been linked with a departure for a while now. Also, while Casemiro has been outstanding this season, he isn’t getting any younger.

With that in mind, Man Utd could look to bring in a more long-term option and De Jong could be the ideal candidate, especially given his previous relationship with Ten Hag.

Interestingly, Liverpool have registered an interest in De Jong too. So, we could see a bidding war between the two Premier League rivals for his services.

This season, the 25-year-old has made 28 LaLiga appearances, scoring two goals and making two assists. De Jong has played a key role in Barca’s success this season, with the Spanish giants on track for their first league title since 2019.

That kind of winning mentality is exactly what Man Utd need to help them challenge for titles again.

So, it will be interesting to see two things in the coming months: whether De Jong accepts a pay cut at Barca and if not, whether the Red Devils reignite their interest.

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