Manchester United have been advised to give up on a possible deal to sign Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong if they cannot get a deal over the line this week.
According to Sport, the negotiations are “stalled” after the latest breakdown in talks.
United have been in talks with Barca for weeks after their new manager Erik ten Hag made the Dutch midfielder his no1 transfer target.
With a number of issues complicating the transfer, United’s CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough flew out to Spain this week, meeting with club officials on Monday.
It is believed the Red Devils have agreed on a €65 million fee upfront with €20m in add-ons but the sticking point is €17 million in deferred wages owed De Jong.
United are not currently prepared to cover that fee and is looking into other “formulas” to get the deal done.
However, De Jong’s advisors have now issued an ultimatum, warning the Premier League giants to get a deal wrapped up this week or “give up”.
With the club still under financial pressure, Barcelona has asked the 25-year-old to take a salary decrease which would allow him to stay at the club beyond this summer.