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Topics: Manchester United, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona
Daniel Marland
Topics: Manchester United, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona
Manchester United have been told to move on from Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and instead focus on a player who wants to join them.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer and Erik ten Hag identified him as a priority signing back in May.
A €75 million fee was agreed weeks ago, but de Jong is adamant to remain at the Camp Nou beyond this summer. He is currently owed €17 million after deferring wages during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Jamie O'Hara believes United need to end negotiations and focus on other midfielders before the transfer window shuts next month.
He told Sky Sports News: "Move on, move on. It's been a joke. It's almost embarrassing now that they're still trying to pursue it.
"If it hasn't happened now, it's not going to happen. This is Manchester United we're talking about, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
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"I know they don't have the biggest pull anymore because of the way the club's gone, but if the player's still turning around saying 'I don't want to leave, I want to stay at Barcelona', they're messing around trying to sort the wages that he's owed, just move on from him.
"There's plenty of other top-class players out there that you can sign and you don't want a player ending up coming to the football club almost against his will, in a way. That doesn't sit right with me."
De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019 and he chose them over Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, calling it a dream move at the time.
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The Netherlands international is regarded as one of the world's top midfielders, but Barcelona aren't against letting him go.
Financial issues may force their hand as they remain interested in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde plus Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
O'Hara continued: "If Manchester United phoned me when I was in my prime, and a lot of players would say the same, you're on the plane, next day 'I'm going to Manchester United'. Now, if a player's saying 'no I don't want to go', then alright see you later then, we'll get someone else."
In pre-season, de Jong come off the bench twice and played in central defence.
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Manager Xavi was asked about de Jong's position and admitted he had the all the skills needed to play at the back.
He told reporters following Sunday's 1-0 win over Real Madrid: "I’m not here to send messages. I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play…
"He can give us a lot also as a centre back."
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Meanwhile, United have added Christian Eriksen to their midfield after letting Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic's contracts expire at the end of last season.