Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong told to reduce salary AGAIN as Barcelona try to free up funds for Messi

MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Frenkie de Jong is set for a meeting to discuss his Barcelona future, according to reports.

De Jong was one of United’s main transfer priorities last summer and the club even had a £72million bid accepted by Barcelona.

GettyBarcelona want Frenkie de Jong to accept a wage reduction[/caption]

PABarcelona are keen on re-signing Lionel Messi[/caption]

But the midfielder refused to make the move and Erik ten Hag instead signed Casemiro from Real Madrid.

However, the Red Devils boss is still said to be keen on De Jong, who is facing an uncertain future at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona want the 26-year-old to agree to a salary reduction amid their financial problems, according to Mundo Deportivo.

De Jong could extend his contract, which expires in 2026, for another two or three years.

But Barca want to cut his wage – something De Jong may reject given he is owed £14.5m by the club after deferring his wages during the coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona also asked De Jong to accept a wage reduction last summer and they could be tempted to sell once again if he refuses.

The LaLiga leaders are desperate to re-sign Lionel Messi, whose time at Paris Saint-Germain appears to be approaching an end.

PSG are reportedly set to allow his contract to expire, with Barca chiefs ready to pounce.

On Messi potentially returning, vice president Rafa Yuste said: “We’ve been in contact with Leo Messi’s camp.

“Leo knows how much we appreciate him and I’d love for him to come back.

“For sure Messi loves Barca and the city, so we hope to find the right conditions to continue his history here.”