Attempting to sign Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong has proven to be anything but plain-sailing for Manchester United this summer and comments made by two key figures at the Nou Camp underline that confusion.
De Jong remains a Barcelona player - but for how much longer? Discussions over a move for the former Ajax playmaker date back three months.
Despite settling on a fee, though, there has been no further breakthrough for a man identified as their priority target. United have already signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez this summer, but De Jong is the one Erik ten Hag really wants to ignite his masterplan.
He is well known to the United manager from time together at Ajax and Barcelona have not exactly pulled out stops to keep him. READ MORE: United have new identity under Ten Hag Laporta has directly addressed the De Jong saga himself and Barcelona manager Xavi suggested FFP might come into the mix with regards to his possible departure.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk