Manchester United's bid to sign Frenkie de Jong this transfer window has reportedly been handed a last-ditch boost after Barcelona issued the midfielder an ultimatum over his future.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (via the Mirror), the La Liga side have ordered a meeting with the player to demand that De Jong either halves his current salary or accepts United's offer to join the Premier League side. It is thought that the 25-year-old is one of six players that the club need to offload before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Barcelona's financial difficulties have been well documented, and as time runs out for the Spanish club to sell players, things appear to be getting more desperate for Xavi's side. Erik ten Hag has been chasing De Jong all summer with no luck, but the Reds may have just been presented one last opportunity to get their man.
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Elsewhere, United are believed to be interested in Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to Portuguese outlet Record (as per Sport Witness).
It is thought that Vlachodimos' representatives have been ‘actively looking for a new club’ for months. However, Leicester City are believed to be the only side to have agreed a deal with the goalkeeper this transfer window - and even that agreement has since collapsed.
Benfica are rumoured to be demanding up to €15million (£12.5million) for their goalkeeper who currently does not feature in their plans for this season as the club looks to offload the 28-year-old. There is yet to be an official approach from Ten Hag’s side, but after some concerning performances from David de Gea, United may accelerate their interest as the transfer window deadline creeps into view.
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