Manchester United ‘set ultimatum' for Frenkie de Jong decision and more transfer rumours

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United have reportedly told Frenkie de Jong to make up his mind over an Old Trafford transfer by the end of the week or the club will move on to other targets.

United have been in negotiations with Barcelona for a number of weeks now, and while a deal in principle has been agreed, very little seems to have progressed since. That said, United are still hopeful of getting a transfer over the line.

Barcelona are having to consider selling some of their prize assets this summer amid their huge financial debts. De Jong is one such player who could leave for a big sum, although the player himself has indicated that his preference is to stay at the Nou Camp.

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This seems to be a stumbling block and now Sport reports that United have told De Jong that he must indicate by the end of the week whether he would want a move to Manchester. Another big hurdle is the £17m wages owed to the player from a deferment agreement amid the Covid-19 pandemic — an issue that is out of United's control.

The report says Old Trafford officials are unwilling to cover that debt. Barcelona, it adds, have targets they wish to bring in but would be unable to sustain any arrivals under La Liga rules if assets such as De Jong are not sold off.

Meanwhile, Napoli may pursue Eric Bailly when Kalidou Koulibaly’s switch to Chelsea is confirmed, according to journalist Alredo Pedulla. The Ivory Coast defender impressed during United’s 4-0 friendly win over Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.

It was his first outing for United this calendar year after being shunned by Ralf Rangnick upon returning back from the Africa Cup of Nations with an ankle issue. Bailly is reportedly one of a