Man Utd transfer target Frenkie De Jong 'trying to terminate Barcelona contract'

Barcelona reportedly suspect that Frenkie de Jong may be attempting to ‘terminate’ his contract at the Camp Nou.

The playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, with Erik ten Hag keen to bolster his midfield ranks and sign a replacement for Casemiro to partner Kobbie Mainoo.

It is unclear whether the Red Devils have touched base with Barcelona to alert them that they have re-ignited their interest, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co may be concerned by the speculation regarding De Jong.

According to AS, fears are growing from within the Catalan giants that De Jong is becoming ‘more of a problem than a solution’. The ex-Ajax star has been out of action since he sustained an ankle injury against Real Madrid in April.

De Jong was expected to return within six to eight weeks, but he has been sidelined for close to four months. There is an aura of ‘secrecy’ about the injury, with suspicions raised that the players’ desire to represent the Netherlands at Euro 2024 worsening the issue.

He attempted to compete for Ronald Koeman’s side before it was ultimately ruled that he was not fit to compete. De Jong has since returned to Barca training ‘unfit’ and with his ankle swollen. The Catalan giants are still unsure when he will be available for selection, with a line already being drawn through a return in September.

The Red Devils-linked star is the highest-paid player at Barca, which is causing major concern among the higher powers at the club.

The La Liga giants have attempted to negotiate a new deal with De Jong’s agents which would see him reduce his pay but the calls have fallen on ‘deaf ears’ at this stage. Therefore, Barca believe that De Jong is biding his time in the hope that his contract will be terminated and he will be available to suitors as a free agent.