United won’t break the bank for De Jong

MANCHESTER UNITED have told Barcelona they won’t blow their budget on a £70million summer deal for Frenkie de Jong. De Jong is one of United’s top targets with incoming manager Erik ten Hag keen to work with the former Ajax midfielder again. Barcelona want to recoup the £65m it cost to sign De Jong from Ajax in 2019. A compromise remains some way off. United made it clear to Barca and De Jong’s representatives that they cannot commit such a slice of their transfer funds to the Holland star.

Ten Hag will have to work on a limited budget when he officially starts work next week as United missed out on the Champions League. He faces a major rebuilding job, with up to 10 players set to leave, but the club is determined to be disciplined in the transfer market. De Jong (right), 25, would prefer to stay at the Nou Camp or move to a Champions League club if Barca decide to sell him.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted he may have no choice but to offload some stars due to the club’s ongoing financial problems. ‘I don’t know if we will sell important players,’ he said. ‘If we complete some deals, maybe it won’t be needed. The priority is our financial situation. We will do what is best for the club.’ Ten Hag has prioritised signing a central midfielder, plus a striker to replace Edinson Cavani. Benfica’s Darwin Nunez is a target. The new manager may also strengthen in central defence amid speculation he could raid Ajax for Jurrien Timber or Lisandro Martinez, although United still have options in that position even if Eric Bailly and Phil Jones leave. Meanwhile, Juventus are struggling to match Paris Saint-Germain’s offer to Paul Pogba. The France midfielder is also likely to speak to Real Madrid.