Frenkie de Jong has rejected desperate requests from Barcelona to drastically reduce his wages amid an ongoing standoff with the club.
The Catalan club had reportedly set a deadline until the end of the week – the start date for the current La Liga season – for any potential transfer of Dutch international De Jong with both Manchester United and Chelsea pursuing a deal. It comes after United boss Erik ten Hag instructed those above him to remain patient on a deal after holding fresh talks with the player.
Barca have agreed a new salary reduction with veteran central defender Gerard Pique and last week held a meeting with Sergio Busquets over a similar arrangement. The club have been unable to register their five new signings and two contract renewals this summer with La Liga and are in a race against the clock to raise new funds.
