With further conflicting reports coming out of Spain over the past weekend, eight-time Premier League winner and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville took to Twitter on Monday afternoon regarding Barcelona’s treatment of Frenkie de Jong.
Neville wrote: “De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him! A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.”
The Dutchman has been linked with a move to Manchester United for over 50 days, with the two clubs having already agreed on a package worth €85 million.
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It has been reported by a number of reliable outlets in Spain and England that the Catalan club owe De Jong around €17 million in deferred wages, with the Dutchman agreeing to earn a lower salary over the course of the pandemic.
This is said to be the stumbling block for De Jong to move to Old Trafford.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the former Ajax man could only continue at the Nou Camp should he accept a pay cut in wages; while Fabrizio Romano has said that there is no intention of this from De Jong's side.
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Meanwhile, Barca have completed the signings of a number of high-profile players, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie all joining the club.
The Spanish giants are expected to complete a deal for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde too, after it looks like they've beaten Chelsea in the race for the defender.
As for United, Erik ten Hag is desperate to link-up with his former player with his current midfield options lacking numbers and quality.
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Ten Hag only has Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay as his real senior men in midfield.
Eriksen is potentially set to meet up with the first team squad on Tuesday as the Reds are set to resume training after being granted a day off on Monday, returning from their pre-season tour of Thailand and Bangkok on Sunday afternoon.
Throughout United’s tour, a number of minutes were given to younger midfield options such as Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage and Hannibal Mejbri.
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Returning loanee James Garner also featured in the final game on tour against Aston Villa after being side-lined with injury for games against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
Having already completed three signings, Ten Hag is hungrier to bolster his squad.
Speaking in Australia last week, he said: “I also know this season, a lot of games, World Cup, so we need more options, we have a good team, we need a good squad to get the right results at the end of the season.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Gary Neville, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Football
