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.
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De Jong is understood to be owed around £14million (€17m) in deferred wages, making it harder for United to try and lure him away from Camp Nou. Barcelona want to keep the Dutchman and have ordered him to accept a reduced salary, something he has so far not agreed to, resulting in him being subjected to abuse from fans outside Barcelona's training ground last week
And with the saga showing no sign of coming towards a conclusion just yet, Van der Vaart has hit out at Barcelona's treatment of the midfielder.
"You can't treat people like this," he said. "Frenkie earns too much? You sign a contract and then you fulfil the contract or leave on good terms, but not like this. This is mafia and they have to get punished."
Barcelona's reputation as a club has been tarnished over the summer by ongoing financial problems. The club has had to sell several of its assets just to be able to register some of their new signings.
"Barca's name on the map has become really bad," added Van der Vaart. "It's a great club and everyone wants to play there. But as of now, we judge it differently and I find it a disgrace when you play for them."
De Jong, meanwhile, was a second-half substitute as Barcelona kicked off their La Liga campaign with a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. He stepped off the bench after 60 minutes to replace highly-rated youngster Gavi.
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