Manchester United chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough have been spotted in Barcelona amid the club’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
While Erik ten Hag and his side are preparing to face Liverpool in our first pre-season game tomorrow in Bangkok, Thailand, Arnold and Murtough have been pictured in Catalonia.
United’s new manager has made it clear to the club’s hierarchy that he sees De Jong as his primary target in this summer’s transfer window.
The 52-year-old managed the ball-playing midfielder at Ajax and the pair won the Eredivisie and cup double, as well as reaching the Champions League semi-finals together.
But the 25-year-old was then snapped up by Barcelona in a £65m deal.
Manchester United chiefs Arnold and Murtough spotted in Barcelona
Discussions regarding a deal which could see De Jong reunite with his former manager have now stretched into a tenth week.
The Netherlands international returned to Barcelona pre-season training today ahead of the new season, but with Arnold and Murtough both in Barcelona speaking with Nou Camp officials, according to Gerard Romero, Manchester United fans and Ten Hag will be hoping the transfer saga is close to reaching a positive outcome.
Marca had reported that an ‘urgent meeting’ was scheduled at Barcelona over De Jong, and it could well be that Manchester United’s officials formed part of those talks alongside the midfielder’s agent Ali Dursun, who also represents United’s new signing Tyrell Malacia.
De Jong’s representatives are unhappy at the way his owed salary has been leaked to the media, with The Telegraph reporting he is owed £17million by the club after deferring part of his wages during the pandemic.
De Jong has maintained throughout the saga that he wants to stay at the Nou Camp but Barcelona want him to either accept new reduced wages or agree to a move.
One way or another Manchester United need to draw a line under the De Jong pursuit with the Premier League campaign starting in 27 days time.
But with Arnold and Murtough both in Barcelona, the dream scenario would be that an agreement has been reached and Frenkie de Jong will become a Manchester United player.