Manchester United transfer chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough have flown back to the UK after concluding talks with Barcelona over a move for Frenkie de Jong.
The United CEO and football director had met with their Barcelona counterparts and are thought to have agreed on a financial package for the Dutch midfielder, who Erik ten Hag has made his number one target since taking over at Old Trafford this summer. But after agreeing a fee for the player, Arnold and Murtough suffered the embarrassment of having to fly home empty-handed – with De Jong yet to agree to the move.
It comes as the Red Devils have ignored Darren Fletcher's transfer advice, meaning they will miss out on a defender tipped to become a £100million star. And Juan Mata could incur the wrath of Manchester United fans after being offered a contract by one of their biggest rivals.
