Manchester United told to scrap Frenkie de Jong transfer amid 'leverage' problem

Former striker Louis Saha says Manchester United are no longer as attractive as they once were, and have lost some of their old pulling power.

This is being exemplified in United's current pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. Reports claim the player is hesitant on the idea of a move to Old Trafford, apparently due to the way the club has been run and the absence of Champions League football next season.

The club also lost on moves for Jurrien Timber — who has opted to stay at Ajax — and new Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez this summer, with a move for Antony looking unlikely too. De Jong is Erik ten Hag’s top summer target with negotiations entering their third month.

READ MORE:Barcelona president admission hints at De Jong sale

A deal in principle has been agreed, but wages owed to the player by Barcelona looks to be a sticking point. United have looked at alternatives albeit none seem particularly appetising to Ten Hag.

But Saha believes United should consider scrapping the De Jong deal, with the transfer deadline drawing closer. He pointed to United’s lack of pulling power as one of the reasons why the pursuit is dragging out.

“It's a fair point that maybe Manchester United should look at someone else if Frenkie de Jong doesn’t want to come,” he told Sky Bet. “What I’m seeing is that over the years it has become harder for United to attract players or the targets they wanted.

“All those big clubs get ahead of you or at least have a similar attraction. It could be the status of the club, the history of the club or the chances that club has to win the Champions League.

“At the same time, they might have a better structure financially to offer to a player. It’s all these areas that have become challenging