Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong could be on the move in January, according to Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils - along with Premier League rivals Chelsea - have been pushing to sign the 25-year-old for 'months', but to no avail.
De Jong, who is believed to be Barcelona's second-highest earner on a whopping £620,000 per week, apparently wanted to stay with the Blaugrana. However, that stance may change between now and the turn of the year, with the midfielder restricted to one start and three substitute appearances in his team's first four La Liga matches.
The latest
The report from Sport (via Sport Witness) states that De Jong's wages 'continue to create resentment' in the corridors of the Camp Nou.
Barcelona wanted him to negotiate 'a reduction' of his salary but he has refused to do so, while he has also been having footballing issues as he struggles to adapt to 'the positional game that Xavi Hernandez demands of him'.
That's part of the reason why the manager is favouring a midfield of Sergio Busquets, Gavi and Pedri right now.
The report added that, 'given the complexity of his contract situation', and De Jong's present position in the hierarchy, 'it cannot be ruled out that market movements will resume in the winter window'.
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The verdict
United did sign a couple of midfielders in the summer transfer window in the form of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. However, the former is an attacking midfielder by trade, while the latter is a defensive midfielder.
De Jong sits somewhere in between, so the two signings this summer don't necessarily preclude another run at trying to land the Dutchman.
As per Diario Sport (via The Daily Mail), Erik ten Hag held talks with the Barcelona player during the summer, having worked with him at Ajax.
United faced frustration in the summer, but circumstances may align for a mid-season swoop for their long-time target.