Manchester United are frustrated by the inordinate delay to a protracted deal for Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona's financial issues.
The Manchester Evening News understands United have agreed an overall fee of €85million (£71.5m) for De Jong but the midfielder's wage deferral continues to prevent a transfer from being finalised.
De Jong, 25, is owed €17m in unpaid wages from Barcelona dating back to November 2020 when Barcelona players agreed to a wage deferral to ease the financial strain of the Covid-19 pandemic on the club. Also read: Priority targets and Ronaldo - the issues United have to address Sources familiar with negotiations say there is bafflement at United that they have been portrayed as the dysfunctional club in the ordeal when the "messy situation" between De Jong and Barcelona is the source of the hold-up.
The MEN reported on Monday United are continuing with their pursuit of De Jong as their back-up targets are not deemed to be at the same level as the Barcelona midfielder.
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