Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted Barcelona are gearing up for a major sale this summer.
Laporta was speaking about the club’s financial situation in a meeting with supporters clubs, reported on by Marca.
He says while a formal decision has not yet been made to sanction the sale, everything is in place, should it be deemed necessary.
BBC Sport report United have contacted Barcelona over a move for Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona are prepared to sell
Laporta says Barcelona are prepared to sell a big name player this summer to alleviate financial pressure on the club.
He was quoted by Marca: “The cleaning up involves two options: the sale of a percentage of the rights television channels of LaLiga and the sale of a minority percentage of BLM, which is owned by the club.
“We are also prepared in the event that an important player has to be sold.
“The sports management is prepared to execute the options we have to make a more competitive squad.”
De Jong would fit the bill as an important player, he is still highly regarded by manager Xavi, and is one of the club’s most expensive ever signings.
If he were to be sold for around £70 million, he would become Barcelona’s second most expensive ever sale behind only Neymar.
Manchester United are pushing to agree a fee with Barcelona, amid a report from The Mirror that the midfielder has made his mind up he wants to move.
The report states De Jong has been won over by manager Erik ten Hag and is happy to move to Old Trafford, despite his previous public comments he preferred to stay at Barcelona.
He may still prefer to stay in Spain, but if the club turn around and accept United’s offer, it will be clear he is not wanted, and United can provide him with a fresh start under a manager he already knows well.
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