Man Utd believe Barcelona are ‘playing games’ over Frenkie de Jong and using tactics to increase their transfer fee

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly convinced Barcelona are trying to inflate the price of Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder is a long-term target for the Red Devils after they tried to sign him during the summer transfer window.

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Barcelona President Joan Laporta said De Jong was ‘non-transferrable’, according to Sport.

However, the report suggests that it is a tactic to increase its price ahead of a possible sale of the player.

This season, the midfielder has made 17 appearances for Barcelona, ​​scoring two goals and providing one assist.

De Jong is reported to have told Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag he was happy to move to Old Trafford.

However, a move didn’t materialize in the summer as the 25-year-old refused to leave the club for a pay deferral.

De Jong took a pay cut to help Barcelona’s financial crisis and the La Liga club still owe him £17m.

Over the summer United were ready to pay up to £60m for the midfielder but after failing to make the move they opted for Real Madrid star Casemiro.

However, it is believed United are still keen on signing him.

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They reportedly want to pair him with Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham for £200million to reinvent their midfield.

Although the transfer is likely to happen in next summer’s transfer window.