“Something going on behind the scenes” - Dharmesh Sheth drops intriguing Man Utd transfer claim

Manchester United are trying to wrap up a deal to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has his fears as to what might be happening behind the scenes with this move.

De Jong is open to reuniting with his former Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag at United this summer but a dispute over his deferred wages could make the move more complicated. 

De Jong has been a long-term target at Old Trafford and with the club in need of midfield reinforcements, the Dutchman has been made a priority this summer. 

A transfer fee of £63 million has reportedly already been agreed between the two sides according to The Athletic but, as is often the case with Barcelona these days, there is an added complication. 

During the pandemic, De Jong and his Barcelona teammates each took a sizeable paycut to ensure the day-to-day running of the club continued as normal. But these were just deferred payments. 

De Jong, therefore, is reportedly owed £17 million by Barcelona in deferred wages and he wants the club to cough up before he moves to United. 

This is something that Sheth believes the Spanish giants may try and take advantage of in negotiations with United. 

Barcelona set to sell Man United target De Jong? Find out more on The Football Terrace…

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “I just wonder whether Barcelona are playing a little game here by playing on the fact that they know United are desperate for a central midfielder and that know that they made De Jong their number one priority. Maybe changing the figures somewhat in the deal and maybe trying to get United to play pay a little bit more upfront to somewhat offset some of those wages that De Jong is owed in deferred wages, and therefore Barcelona wouldn’t have to