Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Desperate measures from Barcelona as Man Utd near final outcome over De Jong and plans for £60m Plan B gather pace; firm £20m bid for Liverpool man arrives

Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona during the preseason friendly match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Johan Cruyff Stadium in Sant Joan Despi

Barcelona are doing all they can to force Frenkie de Jong to accept a move to Manchester United, though the Red Devils are now stepping up plans to sign an alternative, Liverpool have received a firm bid for one of Jurgen Klopp’s favourites, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims Everton are ready to axe a January signing. 

FRENKIE DE JONG D-DAY APPROACHING AS BARCELONA ASK STAR TO TAKE WAGES CUT

Manchester United should know in a matter of days if their lengthy pursuit of Frenkie de Jong has been successful or not.

United boss Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with his former protege as he looks to add control and balance to his midfield.

Having finally settled on a near £57m fee with Barcelona, plus bonuses, United still await the green light from the player.

De Jong, however, appears reluctant to make the move, with a report listing 10 reasons why he wants to stay.

However, there is still a strong belief at Old Trafford that – despite all the noises – De Jong is willing to make the switch.

And it seems his wages deferral agreed with Barcelona in 2020 is key to holding up negotiations. The Dutchman is reportedly still owed £14.4m (€17m) in wages and, understandably, he wants what is owed to him.

But by moving to Old Trafford, there is a strong chance he would have to reneg on those debts.

Furthermore, AS now reports that Barcelona are taking to desperate measures to get De Jong to depart.

They claim Xavi has met with the player, telling him he him will have to accept a drastic salary cut in order to stay. That could see his current £160,000 a week wages cut by half.

Furthermore, Xavi has given the player the cold treatment in pre-season, leaving him out their side and only using him as central defensive cover.

As such, United still believe Barca’s stance may force De Jong into accepting a move away.

United looking to Milinkovic-Savic as a Plan B to Frenkie de Jong

Meanwhile, United are back in the race for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as an alternative should a deal for De Jong finally falter.

The Lazio midfielder has been on their wanted list since the days of Jose Mourinho. However, Lazio’s often-excessive valuation of the Serb always put paid to their transfer plans.

Now regarded as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in world football, Lazio are finally willing to sell for around £59.5m (€70m).

That fee has got Arsenal interested, though it seems he’s not willing to consider a move to Emirates Stadium.

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong?

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong?

Why do Manchester United want Frenkie de Jong when the player seemingly doesn't want a move to Old Trafford?

Old Trafford, though, could be a different prospect and it seems United are ready to make their move.

Now Calciomercato reports Manchester United are ready to step up that interest with a firm bid if and when their De Jong hopes end.

FIRM JUVENTUS OFFER FOR ROBERTO FIRMINO GIVES LIVERPOOL A DILEMMA

Liverpool are reportedly considering the future of Roberto Firmino after a firm offer from Juventus came in for his services.

The Brazilian has been a huge part of Liverpool’s success in recent times. And his partnership alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will go down in Reds folklore.

Roberto Firmino during a Premier League match for Liverpool

However, Firmino started just 10 Premier League games for the Reds last season. And his game time looks further restricted by the club-record signing of Darwin Nunez this summer.

With just a year left on his deal, Liverpool must now consider their next move carefully.

As per transfer journalist Ekrem Konur, Juventus have launched a £20m (€23.5m) bid for his services.

The Italians are looking to freshen up their forward line and see Firmino as just the ticket.

Despite his lack of game-time, the 30-year-old remains a big favourite of Jurgen Klopp.

But his contract situation, together with the vast forward options open to Liverpool, could lead to his reluctant sale.

EVERTON AXE FOR DELE ALLI

Everton are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Dele Alli – just six months after signing him from Tottenham.

Once heralded as one of the best young midfielders in world football, Dele has seen his star dramatically fall.

He will have hoped his move to Everton would have been a career turning point – but his time at Goodison has not gone to plan.

Dele Alli, Everton midfielder, on loan from Tottenham, during Premier League game against Newcastle

His move there could Everton an initial £10m. But the transfer was structured so it could ultimately cost £40m, depending on performances.

However, cash-strapped Everton have reportedly seen enough – and now The Sun claims they want to move him on.

Finding a buyer for Dele, however, may prove tough with takers likely to be in short supply.

Alli has made 11 appearances at Everton, 10 of which came off the bench. He has zero goals and zero assists in that time.

He also missed an open goal from three yards as Everton were beaten 4-0 by Minnesota United.

Dele did, however, manage to score twice as Everton beat Blackpool 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.