Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has hit out at Barcelona for their "mafia" treatment of Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong, who joined Barcelona just over three years ago from Dutch heavyweights Ajax, has been the subject of interest from United for more than three months. The club registered their interest almost 100 days ago and are still determined to secure his signature ahead of the transfer window closing at the start of next month.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News at the end of June, United have agreed a deal with Barcelona to bring De Jong to Old Trafford. However, a dispute over unpaid wages that the midfielder is owed by the Spanish club has meant that the prospect of a deal being completed has been plunged into doubt.
