Ex-Manchester United star explains why the club haven't walked away from Frenkie de Jong deal

Many Manchester United supporters have become tired of hearing reports on their club’s chase of Frenkie de Jong.

The club has been pursuing the midfielder for a number of months now, and while a deal in principle has been agreed, there seems to be little movement towards finalisation. This is thought to be due to Barcelona’s £17m wage debt to the player.

De Jong had agreed to defer some of his wages amid the Covid-19 pandemic but is yet to receive what he is owed. Aside from this, the midfielder has reiterated his desire to stay at the Nou Camp.

READ MORE: Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong plays in new position for Barcelona in pre-season

It has meant United’s pursuit of De Jong, who remains Erik ten Hag’s top summer target, has been drawn out. A number of supporters have urged their club to move on to alternatives amid concerns that their midfield might not be restocked in time for the new season.

However, former United winger Lee Sharpe has suggested that not all hope is lost. Speaking to 888sport, he said: “He [De Jong] is the class in midfield that can drive United on.”

“However, this has been going on for so long and I’m hoping the reason they’re still involved is because they strongly believe they can get him. I would have thought United would have walked away by now unless they were reasonably confident they’re going to get him but I hope also they’ve got someone to fall back on.”

That has been the worry for some United fans, too. Sharpe mooted that instead, the club could go for Declan Rice in January if they do not get De Jong and are willing to wait.

He added: “Perhaps they’ll wait until next year and go for Declan Rice – sorry West Ham fans – who looks to me a similar sort of player.

“The most