Everything Barcelona have said amid Manchester United transfer pursuit of Frenkie de Jong

Numerous reports are now suggesting that Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the 25-year-old has long been Erik ten Hag’s main summer target. The player himself has spoken out about his future on numerous occasions but refused to get drawn into rumours tipping him for a reunion with his former Ajax boss.

He underlined that his preference is to stay at Barcelona, after securing his “dream” move three years ago. The club themselves has not remained silent on their transfer activity amid financial trouble.

READ MORE: Barcelona drop fresh transfer hint amid Manchester United interest in Frenkie de Jong

Their huge debt is set to become a factor in United’s pursuit of De Jong. Club officials have addressed the media at several points throughout the hunt.

The club’s supposed €1bn (£850m) debt is likely to force their hand this window. After months of speculation, Barcelona president Joan Laporta finally admitted that De Jong could be shown the door this summer.

“He has a lot of quality, he knows our system and he's a player we think should continue at Barca,” he said.

“But it's also true that he's a highly coveted player and we have had proposals from others. Right now, everything is open. It will depend a lot on the issue of fair play."

Then, senior Nou Camp official Eduard Romeu came out to rubbish reports that the club was actively looking to sell De Jong because of cash issues. He said: "We have not budgeted for the sale of players.

"Frenkie de Jong? If he leaves, it's a technical decision, not an economic one. But I repeat, we have planned no departure."

But Romeu astonishingly revealed on Friday that £426m (€500m) is needed to