Man United ‘revive interest in Frenkie de Jong as Barcelona reject £42.7m bid’ after failed summer-long pursuit to land Dutch star – but ‘cash-strapped Catalans ARE willing to sell’

Manchester United have reignited their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after having an opening £42.7m bid rejected, but the LaLiga giants are willing to sell, according to reports.

The Dutchman has long been admired by United manager Erik ten Hag after the pair previously worked with each other during their hugely successful time together at Ajax.

De Jong missed Euro 2024 with the Netherlands after picking up an injury before the tournament and has now been placed up for sale by the Catalan club, as reported by El National.

Barcelona are desperately trying to raise funds for new players as the cash-strapped club face familiar difficulties in trying to register new signings as they have done in other recent transfer windows.

However, this time around they are willing to grant De Jong’s Nou Camp exit as new boss Hansi Flick continues to mould the team in his image since replacing Xavi at the end of last season.

Manchester United have reignited their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

The Dutchman has long been admired by United and will be allowed to leave Barcelona

De Jong previously played under United manager Erik ten Hag (pictured) at Ajax

The 27-year-old previously moved to the LaLiga club for an initial £64m in 2019 and has endured a mixed time of things playing for Barcelona who have been plagued by off-field issues in recent years.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to recoup as much of their initial outlay as possible and has slapped a £60m asking price on the midfielder along with an additional £8.5m in add-ons.

However, United’s new transfer department led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS might not be willing to pay such an inflated sum as they look to reign in spending.

De Jong is also believed to be Barcelona’s top earner where he earns a reported £30m per season that would potentially rise even further if a move to the Premier League is agreed.

Barcelona have slapped a £60m asking price on the midfielder along with an additional £8.5m in add-ons

De Jong endured a difficult season with Barcelona last campaign that was riddled with injuries

Meanwhile, United are continuing to discuss midfield targets after already opening negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal for Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte.

De Jong would represent another potential option and United could return with a second bid after Ten Hag previously declared him as a transfer priority when he took over at Old Trafford.

Barcelona weren’t willing to sell their star at the time, with De Jong also wanting to remain in Spain, but could now be open to joining United after struggling with injuries and mixed form last season.

De Jong has made 213 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 17 goals and registering 21 assists during his time in Spain that has coincided with winning several top club honours.